A new chapter in youth and business development unfolded in Ikorodu West LCDA as the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikorodu West Chapter, hosted the first-ever Ikorodu West Youth Business Summit at the LCDA Secretariat Hall. The landmark event, held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, was themed Empowering Next CEOs, a rallying call for young people to build the mindset, skills, and networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive economy.

Organized under the visionary leadership of Comrade Taiwo Anuoluwapo Adebajo, Youth Coordinator of NYCN Ikorodu West, the summit brought together a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and youth leaders, all united by one goal: to raise a generation of innovative and financially independent young leaders.

The event drew a distinguished audience, including Hon. Sulaimon Olanrewaju Kazeem, FCA (FCTI), Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA and Chief Host; Mayor Deen Sawoola, Director-General of iCare Foundation and keynote speaker; and representatives of APC Youth Leaders, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Voluntary Youth Organizations (VYOs), faith-based groups, and youth clubs across Ikorodu Division.

Panel discussions featured insights from Abiodun Dare Sunday and Mr. Femi, Divisional Manager, Moniepoint Ikorodu Division, who shared perspectives on entrepreneurship, business branding, and leadership development.

Delivering the keynote address, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, DG of the iCare Foundation, challenged the youths to see entrepreneurship not just as a means of survival but as a platform for transformation.

He emphasized that success in business is not determined by financial capital but by the ability to create value. He described vision, discipline, and strong networks as the real currencies of sustainable success.

Mayor Deen highlighted the importance of innovation, integrity, and impact, urging young entrepreneurs to leverage technology and collaboration to solve real problems within their communities. He noted that the next generation of CEOs must embody creativity, honesty, and resilience.

He also stressed that the future belongs to those who are ready to create solutions rather than dwell on challenges. He called on young people to focus on service and sustainability in their business pursuits, describing problem-solving as the foundation of lasting success.

He further drew attention to the vast opportunities available through digital technology and community-based ventures, encouraging participants to move beyond small-scale operations toward sustainable enterprises capable of building legacies and boosting local economic growth.

A major highlight of the summit was the Moniepoint POS Empowerment and Loan Initiative, introduced in partnership with Moniepoint Ikorodu Division, led by Mr. Femi.

Through this program, several young entrepreneurs received POS terminals and access to soft business loans, enabling them to launch or expand their ventures immediately.

Mr. Femi commended the NYCN Ikorodu West leadership for their foresight and commitment to youth development. He reaffirmed Moniepoint’s dedication to promoting financial inclusion and supporting youth-led enterprises across Ikorodu Division.

Participants lauded the initiative as a form of genuine empowerment that bridges the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and economic opportunity.

In his closing remarks, Comrade Taiwo Anuoluwapo Adebajo, NYCN Ikorodu West Youth Coordinator, expressed appreciation to all dignitaries, partners, and participants who contributed to the summit’s success.

He noted that the event was not merely a gathering but a bridge of hope for the youths of Ikorodu West. He described the turnout, engagement, and enthusiasm as a reflection of a community filled with future CEOs ready to make an impact, and he assured that the summit marked the beginning of greater things ahead.

He also extended gratitude to Hon. Sulaimon Olanrewaju Kazeem, Mayor Deen Sawoola, Moniepoint Ikorodu Division, SAIL, and iCare Foundation for their continued support, as well as the APC Youth Leaders, CBOs, VYOs, and faith-based organizations whose contributions ensured the event’s success.

The Ikorodu West Youth Business Summit 1.0 was more than an event — it represented a movement of empowerment and possibility. With its blend of inspiration, training, and tangible empowerment, the summit has established a strong foundation for youth-driven economic transformation in Ikorodu West LCDA.