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By Johnson Adebowale
This year’s National Youth Day celebrated in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, has come and gone but its memories will linger for a long time in the minds of many.
Abiru (middle) with members of NYCN
The event, organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikorodu West Local Council Branch, served as a platform to inspire and mobilize the youth for greatness.
The celebration, with the theme “Building a prospective country in a youthful, useful dimension”, featured many activities like award presentations, dinners, beauty pageants, fashion, talent hunts, music, lectures, and others.
The event was used to address various issues affecting youth, celebrate their talents, and recognize their accomplishments throughout the year.
Among those who tutored the youths on how to attain greatness on the occasion were the senator representing Lagos East at the National Assembly, Tokunbo Abiru, Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, member of the Lagos State Universal Education Board, Dr. Saheed Ibikunle, the General Manager of the Lagos State Television (LTV), Mrs. Olusola Kosoko, and others.
In his speech titled “The Role of Nigerian Youth in Nation Building,” Ibikunle expressed his admiration for the youth’s dedication and involvement in shaping the future of the nation.
He acknowledged the significance of the town hall meeting, saying that it provided a platform for the youth to come together and engage in constructive discussions about the development of their society.
bikunle charged the youths to reflect on past achievements, the current state of the nation, and the collective efforts required for Nigeria’s progress.
Ibikunle, who also doubled as a representative of Senator Abiru at the occasion, applauded the willingness of the youths to harness their potential and collaborate on initiatives that will foster Nigeria’s growth and progress.
He reiterated that the collective efforts of the youth can have a profound impact on the nation’s trajectory.
“We should never underestimate the potential and capabilities of the youth; their passion, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas hold the key to driving positive change in the country.” Ibikunle noted.
The council boss, Olanrewaju, charged the youths not to relent in contributing their quota to the development of the nation.
He expressed his deep pride in the youth’s efforts and the positive impact they are making in the state.
Olanrewaju emphasized the importance of education, urging the young generation to focus not just on obtaining certification but also on applying their knowledge in practical ways.
He encouraged the youth to utilize the knowledge they acquire and let it shape their actions and decisions in life.
The council boss stated that the true value of education lies in its practical application.
On her own, the LTV boss, Kosoko, who was also among the awardees, urged the youths to stay away from anything that would restrain them from attaining greatness.
Kosoko was represented at the event by Bukola Taylor-Cole, who implored the youths to be good ambassadors of the state and the country.
In his speech, the coordinator of the NYCN Ikorodu West local branch, Asoro Abubakri, made a case for youths’ inclusiveness in governance, policy formulation, and empowerment.
He stated that the historic milestone achieved by Ikorodu West LCDA was a result of the number of youths in the cabinet of the chairman and the legislative arm of the council.
Asoro expressed his gratitude to the council chairman and also called for the sustained implementation of the youth representation template.
Asoro also used the event to give an account of his stewardship, holding that his tenure as the third coordinator of NYCN Ikorodu West achieved a lot in many areas, ranging from youth inclusiveness in governance, employment opportunities, training, awareness campaigns, and more.
He attributed the success of his tenure to transparency, trust, accountability, and respect for all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, it was Ms. Ogunlana Oluwanifesimi Funmilayo, a student at the National Open University, who emerged as Miss Ikorodu West for the year 2023–24.
