The Ifako-Ijaiye Local Branch of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has organised the maiden edition of the Ramadan and Lenten Interfaith Lecture and Prayer aimed at promoting unity among Muslim and Christian youths in the area.
The groundbreaking programme, organised in collaboration with NACOMYO and YOWICAN Ifako-Ijaiye, has been recognised as the first Ramadan–Lenten interfaith gathering organised by a youth council in Lagos State.

The event, held at the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Secretariat Hall, brought together Muslim and Christian youths in large numbers during the sacred fasting seasons of Ramadan and Lent to reflect on faith, leadership and community development.

Delivering his welcome address, the Host and Coordinator of NYCN Ifako-Ijaiye, Oluwaseun E. Ayomase (Asikolaye), explained that the initiative was designed to strengthen unity among young people across religious lines.

Speaking on the theme, “Faith, Leadership and Community Transformation: The Role of Youth in Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Society,” Ayomase said the programme serves as the official major programme of the year for the youth council while also committing the year into God’s hands and encouraging collaboration among faith-based youth organisations.

He further assured participants that the interfaith lecture would become an annual gathering for Muslim and Christian youth organisations within the council area.
Special prayers were offered for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria, Lagos State and Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, including prayers for key leaders such as the Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat; the Member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo; and the Member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, OON, JP.

The NYCN coordinator also appreciated Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji for his continuous dedication and support towards youth development in Ifako-Ijaiye.
The programme featured lectures from respected religious leaders including Bro. Adeniran Abd Azeez, Deputy Murshid of NACOMYO Lagos State Chapter, and Rev. Samuel Adogoke Adediran. Both speakers highlighted the shared spiritual values of Ramadan and Lent, emphasising sacrifice, discipline, humility, peace and service to humanity.

Several youth leaders and stakeholders were also in attendance, including Amb. Olayinka Oresile, Emeritus Chairman of NYCN Lagos State; Comr. Victor K. Adogbajale, Public Relations Officer of NYCN Lagos State; Bro. Ukachukwu Calistus, former Secretary of NYCN Ifako-Ijaiye; Brigadier Olugbenga Adesola, State Chairman of Lads and Lasses; Comr. Rasheedat Adekoya, Deputy Secretary of NYCN Lagos State; and Alao Michael, Immediate Past Deputy Coordinator of NYCN Ifako-Ijaiye.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of NYCN Lagos State Chapter, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, MNSE, commended the Ifako-Ijaiye Youth Council for pioneering the initiative, describing it as a model programme capable of inspiring youth councils across the state.

He also encouraged young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the democratic process by supporting credible leaders.
The organisers also appreciated Pocari Sweat for their partnership support and the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government for providing an enabling environment for youth-driven initiatives.

With the success of the maiden edition, the Ramadan and Lenten Interfaith Lecture has positioned Ifako-Ijaiye as a pioneer of youth-driven interfaith dialogue in Lagos State, demonstrating the role young people can play in promoting peace, unity and community development.