The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Itire-Ikate Branch, commemorated International Youth Day 2025 with a call for stronger local action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event, held at the Agricultural Training Centre, Odo-Olowu, Ijesha, brought together young leaders, educators, and government representatives to explore ways to translate global goals into impactful community actions.

Hon. Oluwafemi Daniel Odunayo, Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), was inducted as the 2nd Grand Patron of NYCN Itire-Ikate Branch. Additionally, he received an award as a Promising Leader for Youth Empowerment and Community Advancement, acknowledging his dedication to promoting the welfare of young people and advancing community growth.

Also, Hon. Lanre Okunlola, Member of the House of Representatives representing Surulere Federal Constituency 2, and Engr. Niyi Amir Gbodimowo, popularly known as “Gbodo,” were also honored with awards for their exceptional contributions to youth development and community service.

Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos Chapter and Chairman of the Forum of State Chairmen, urged Voluntary Youth Organizations (VYOs) to register their organizations with NYCN’s ongoing Youth Data Collection Initiative. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive database of youth-led organizations, providing a platform for collaboration, resource mobilization, and capacity building. VYOs can register on the NYCN website at (https://membership.nycnlagos.org/organization).

In his welcome address, Branch Coordinator Comr. Amb. Oshodi John Ayodele expressed gratitude to all guests, stakeholders, and volunteers for their contributions. He emphasized that real change begins at the grassroots, acknowledging the support of the local government leadership. Ayodele was later inducted as an Ambassador for Youth Development in Africa by the African Youth Parliament, recognizing his consistent leadership and advocacy.

Hon. Obadiah Oyindamola Thelma, Esq., Representative of the Lagos Central Senatorial District, Nigerian Youth Parliament, delivered the keynote address, titled “From Ideas to Impact: How Young People Are Advancing the SDGs Locally.” She urged youths to act boldly, noting that local action remains the heartbeat of global development.

A vibrant panel session featured Comr. Rasheedat Adekola, Deputy Secretary, NYCN Lagos; Mr. Opeoluwa Taiwo, Founder, Africa Bridge Initiative; and Comr. Onifade Sodiq Ishola, Educator and Civic Advocate. They shared practical insights on youth inclusion, SDG localization, and community impact.

The Council presented awards to notable personalities, including Hon. Arc. Lanre Okunlola, Member, House of Representatives, Surulere Federal Constituency, and Hon. Engr. Niyi Amir Gbodimowo “Gbodo,” Founder, Gbodo Cares Foundation, for their outstanding contributions to youth and community development.

In her closing remarks, Comr. Divine Chidiebube Nwakama thanked everyone who attended NYCN Itire-Ikate’s IYD 2025 celebration and appreciated the Council’s support for the youth.

Also in attendance were: His Royal Majesty, HRM Oba Lateef Adams Akinwunmi 1, the Onikate of Ikate Surulere Kingdom, was represented by Chief Murphy Aribidesi, the Baba Oja of Ikate, Comr. Asoro Abubakri Olatunji, Deputy President of NYCN, Comr. Akeebu Musa Olalekan, South West Secretary, NYCN; Amb. Olayinka Christopher Oreshile, Emeritus Chairman, NYCN Lagos State; Comr Kazeem Oladimeji Emeritus Coordinator NYCN Itire-Ikate Branch, Comr. Abdulkareem Ahmed, Vice Chairman, Lagos Central Senatorial District NYCN; and Comr. Habeeb, Organizing Secretary, NYCN Lagos Central Senatorial District.