OGUN WEST YOUTH AWARDS 2.0: ADEJOBI, BAJOMO, DENDE, SIB, AYELAAGBE, OGUNDELE, TIJANI, OKUBOYEJO BAG TOP HONOURS IN ILARO

 

NYCN UNVEILS STEWARDSHIP REPORT, HONOURS COMMUNITY BUILDERS AND CHAMPIONS GREATER YOUTH PARTICIPATION

ILARO, OGUN STATE — It was an evening of recognition and celebration at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, as the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ogun West Senatorial District, held the second edition of its Ogun West Youth Awards 2.0.

The event brought together youth leaders, traditional rulers, government representatives, community leaders and development advocates to recognise people and organisations whose activities have contributed to leadership, youth development and community service across Ogun West.

A central feature of the ceremony was the presentation of the council's Stewardship Report and the unveiling of its compendium, providing a record of programmes, activities and achievements of the Kehinde Damilola-led administration.

The awards also celebrated individuals whose contributions have impacted different communities across the senatorial district.

Notable honourees included Lion Sunday Ajilete (SIB), Oluomo Tijani Akeem, Alhaji Jamiu Ogundele (Jamsalod), IBD Foundation, Comrade Ayelaagbe Abdul-Jabar, Alayeluwa Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and Hon. Jamiu Akande, among others.

In a special category, Pa Lisa Adejobi and Senator Kola Bajomo were presented with Appreciation Awards in recognition of their contributions to mentorship, guidance and service.

The organisers used the recognition to draw attention to the role of experienced leaders in mentoring younger people and helping to build a stronger leadership pipeline within the region.

Grassroots youth organisations were also celebrated, with the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum receiving the Best Local Youth Award.

Other emerging leaders, including Deji Imoleayo, Sola Adeyemi, Adesanya Pareto and Tumise Adeyemi, were also recognised in various categories after the voting process.

The ceremony featured a strong call for peaceful and constructive youth participation in Nigeria's democratic process. The Vice Chairman urged young people to shun electoral violence and participate actively in elections while encouraging political leaders to provide more space for young people in governance and decision-making.

The NYCN maintained that youth participation should not be limited to election campaigns, but should also encompass education, employment, policy formulation, leadership and community development.

The Ogun West youth leadership also announced its support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) and his Itesiwaju Agenda as part of its current political engagement.

Government and traditional institutions were represented at the event, with the Deputy Governor of Ogun State represented and Vice Chairmen of Yewa South and Yewa North Local Government Areas in attendance.

Alhaji Omolara Egungbohun led the delegation representing Alhaji Ibrahim Dende, while the Oloja of Oja-Odan led royal representatives of the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland.

The ceremony also attracted several community stakeholders and youth advocates who joined the celebration of individuals and organisations considered by the organisers to have made notable contributions to Ogun West.

The NYCN Ogun West Youth Awards 2.0 therefore served a dual purpose: celebrating those already contributing to society while challenging young people to become active participants in the development of their communities.

The event reinforced the message that recognition can encourage service, mentorship can build future leaders, and meaningful youth participation can strengthen community development.

Suggested newspaper presentation: Headline 1 works well as the front-page/lead headline, while Headline 2 can be used for the inside-page feature story with the award-presentation photographs.