The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Odogbolu Branch, has celebrated the 2026 International Youth Day, honouring the Alakio of Akio Kingdom, HRH Oba Adegboyega Muritala Adeyemi, Ogun State Special Adviser on Youth Development and Innovation Technology, Hon. Dennis Akinwale Ogunnaike, and digital innovation specialist, Dr. Adebayo M. Ishola, for their contributions to youth development.
The celebration, held on Friday at the Diya Library, Odogbolu, Ogun State, was organised under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The event brought together youth leaders, government representatives, traditional and community leaders, youth organisations and development stakeholders to discuss issues affecting young people and promote their participation in community and national development.
Speaking on behalf of the NYCN Odogbolu Coordinator, Comrade Olawale Ogunnuga, Comrade Bashiru Oluwadaisi welcomed participants and stressed the need for young people to become active agents of positive change.
He said although young people come from different backgrounds and face varying challenges, they share common aspirations for opportunity, inclusion, peace, development, good governance and a better future.
Oluwadaisi urged youths to embrace education, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, collaboration and community service as tools for personal growth and societal transformation.
The State Programme Officer of NYCN, Comrade Saheed Shittu, who represented the State Chairman, Oloye Akolawole Shoremi, commended the Odogbolu branch for organising the youth-focused programme.
Shittu apologised for the absence of the state chairman, attributing it to official engagements, and assured the branch of the continued support of the state council.
Also speaking, Prince Adeleke Adebajo, who represented the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Dr. Babatunde Diya, reaffirmed the council chairman’s commitment to youth development and empowerment.
Adebajo disclosed that the local government had constructed a sports arena to provide young people with an avenue to develop and showcase their talents.
He also cited recent opportunities supported by the local government, including recruitment exercises by the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) and the Ogun State Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun.
He thereafter declared the celebration open.
The programme featured presentations by Ogun State Special Adviser on Youth Development and Innovation Technology, Hon. Dennis Akinwale Ogunnaike, and Dr. Adebayo M. Ishola, a digital innovation specialist and lecturer at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun.
The speakers addressed issues around youth empowerment, technology, innovation, partnerships, good governance and active participation in community and national development.
The sessions also provided participants with practical knowledge and encouraged young people to explore creativity, innovation and collaboration as pathways to personal and community development.
As part of the programme, the NYCN Odogbolu Branch presented an Award of Appreciation to the Alakio of Akio Kingdom, HRH Oba Adegboyega Muritala Adeyemi, in recognition of his contributions to youth development.
The council particularly acknowledged the traditional ruler’s support during the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child and the 2026 International Youth Day celebration.
Ogunnaike and Ishola were also honoured for their support and commitment to youth and community development.
The celebration further provided an opportunity for youth groups and stakeholders to network, exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships aimed at addressing challenges confronting young people.
The NYCN Odogbolu Branch said it remained committed to creating sustainable platforms that would empower, unite and inspire young people to contribute meaningfully to the development of Odogbolu Local Government, Ogun State and Nigeria.
Among dignitaries at the event were Hon. Olajumoke Ogunbanwo, Consultant to the Ogun State Governor; Mrs. Ogunba, immediate past President of the National Council for Women Societies, Odogbolu Branch; Comrade Adeola Akinyemi, Vice Chairman, NYCN Ogun East; the CDC Zonal Chairman, Odogbolu Local Government; and Mr. Odumuyiwa Maleek, Deputy Director, Community Youth and Development, Odogbolu Local Government.
Representatives of Community-Based Youth Associations, Boys’ Brigade of Nigeria, Man O’ War, Nigerian Red Cross Society and the National Youth Service Corps, among others, also participated in the celebration.
