Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The London Eastside Young Leaders Academy


Managing director and CEO of Desicon Engineering Limited since 1996, Akanimo Udofia has successfully led the enterprise to profitable opportunities in the oil and gas industry. Harvard Business School graduate Akanimo Udofia has also been a charitable supporter of the London Eastside Young Leaders Academy (EYLA).

The EYLA’s purpose is to foster an environment where young African and Caribbean males can develop the leadership skills necessary to eventually become the community leaders of tomorrow. Educational curricula, Alternative Provision, and the Eastside Scholars program for scholarships at other schools are some of the many services the EYLA provides.

Inspired by the Young Leaders Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, ordained minister Ray Lewis established the EYLA in 2002. His vision was to improve the prospects for boys to prevent them from turning to crime. Most of the participants in the program are between the ages of 8-18. The organization is dedicated to nurturing the leadership potential of young men through fostering self-esteem, stressing the importance of work, study, and civic pride.