The Igbogbo Youth Forum (IYF) and Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and education with the hosting of its Economic Youth Summit and the official launch of the Igbogbo Youth Forum Education Fund on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Megalite Event Centre, Igbogbo, Lagos State.

The event, themed “Unlocking and Harnessing Your Potentials as a Youth for a Sustainable Future,” brought together community leaders, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to discuss strategies for fostering innovation, self-development, and sustainable growth among young people.

In his opening address, Omooba Hameed Aroyewun, Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), urged the youths to believe in themselves and their abilities. He emphasized that every generation has a calling, and it is the responsibility of the current generation to build, innovate, and transform society through youthful energy and creative thinking.

Omooba Aroyewun noted that each individual carries a treasure that the world needs, and it is essential to develop and harness one’s potential to achieve greatness. He cited examples of young people who have made a difference in their communities through determination, hard work, and the courage to pursue their dreams.

The Chairman highlighted the LCDA’s commitment to youth development under the GLORY Agenda, which focuses on Growth, Leadership, Opportunity, Reform, and Youth Empowerment. He mentioned various initiatives, including mentorship programs, digital empowerment, and collaborations with vocational centers and private sector partners, designed to equip youths with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

The Chairman urged the youths to take advantage of the opportunities available to them and to work towards achieving their goals. He emphasized that true success is measured by impact and encouraged the youths to strive for greatness.

In his welcome address, Dr. Adeleke Dankuwo, President of the Igbogbo Youth Forum, described the occasion as a “symbol of hope, renewal, and vision,” emphasizing that the youth must be repositioned as catalysts for positive transformation and economic advancement.

“The true wealth of any community no longer lies in its natural resources, but in the quality, creativity, and capacity of its people especially its youth,” Dr. Dankuwo stated. “Every young person carries within them a unique spark, a potential waiting to be discovered and refined. However, potentials alone are not enough. They must be unlocked through education, discipline, mentorship, and vision.”

According to him, the newly launched IYF Education Fund aims to provide financial support for indigent but brilliant students within the Igbogbo community. The initiative, he said, goes beyond scholarships — it seeks to build human capital, promote equal opportunities, and empower youths to compete favourably in an increasingly dynamic world.

Dr. Dankuwo further noted that education remains the cornerstone of sustainable development, stressing that an educated youth population is crucial to achieving long-term growth and community progress.

“Education empowers the mind, liberates the spirit, and equips individuals to create solutions to societal problems,” he added.

Since its inception, the Igbogbo Youth Forum has championed initiatives promoting unity, civic responsibility, entrepreneurship, and self-development among youths. The 2025 summit, with its forward-looking theme, represents another milestone in the group’s mission to nurture a generation of visionary and productive young leaders.

The Guest Speaker, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Lagos State Parking Authority, noted that the future job market demands individuals who can think differently and leverage technology to stand out.

Mayor Sanwoola emphasized the importance of understanding one’s goals and aspirations. He noted that merely having a goal is not enough; one must also have a clear plan of action to achieve it. “You need to first know what you want,” he said, adding that “if you don’t know what you want, you’ll be left behind.”

The Guest Speaker also highlighted the significance of embracing technology in today’s world. He cited the example of lawyers who fail to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in their work, warning that they risk being left behind by their peers who leverage technology to research and prepare briefs more efficiently.

Sanwoola encouraged the youths to be innovative and inventive, rather than being satisfied with the status quo. “Don’t say good things and think that’s the best there is,” he said. “Look at things and think about how you can make them better.” He emphasized that this mindset is essential for unlocking one’s potential and achieving success in a rapidly changing world.

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the Keynote Speaker advised young people to identify their passions and stick to their goals.

According to Dr. Ajayi, mentorship plays a crucial role in achieving success. “Find people around you who are doing what you want to do, who are already in the place you are going, that you can walk up to and talk to, that will now direct you in that space,” he said. “Find those people in your community and follow them closely. Let them inspire you. Let them drive you to doing the successful things that you’d like to do.”

Ajayi also highlighted the importance of vocational training and apprenticeships, citing examples of successful individuals who have made it big through these paths. “Globally, the apprenticeship education system has been recognized,” he said. “People have done apprenticeship and made it very big in life.”

LASEPA General Manager encouraged young people to be open to learning and acquiring new skills, even if they don’t follow traditional educational paths. “By yourself, you need to discover what you want to do, decide and stick to it,” he advised.

Panelists Emphasized Innovation, Focus, and Discipline as Keys to Youth Development.

It was an engaging panel session moderated by Mr. Idris Adesina (ADIDO), which featured a lineup of seasoned professionals and community leaders. The panel included Alhaji Sulaimon Ayokunle, Mr. Timothy Aluko, Mrs. Ayomikun Titiloye (FCA), Hon. Afeez Ajao Onaolapo, and Dr. Ganiyu Abiona Ibikunle of Lagos State University (LASU).

During the discussion, the panelists shared insights on the importance of innovation, focus, and discipline as critical drivers for unlocking the potential of young people in today’s rapidly evolving society. They urged youths to embrace creativity, continuous learning, and ethical values as pathways to personal growth and meaningful contributions to their communities.

The interactive session provided participants with practical guidance on navigating career challenges, developing entrepreneurial mindsets, and leveraging opportunities in the digital and knowledge-driven economy.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, applauded Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA and Igbogbo Youth Forum for this laudable initiatives, and they emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving societal progress. They urged the youth to maintain integrity and good character, stressing that these values are essential for achieving success.

The summit was attended by notable dignitaries, including Barr. Moyosore Ogunlewe, Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government; Prince Waheed Kasali, Permanent Secretary for Tertiary Institution in Lagos State; Esv Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka Permanent Secretary Ministry of Waterfront and Comr. Olalekan Biliamin, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Development.

Other key attendees included the Vice Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Barr. Ade Ayeni; the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Basirat Banjoko; and several other government officials, traditional leaders, and youth leaders. The event highlighted the commitment of the Igbogbo Youth Forum and Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA to promoting youth empowerment and community development.