NYCN CELEBRATES LEADERSHIP, MENTORSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AS ILARO ASUP HALL FILLS TO CAPACITY
The second edition of the Ogun West Youth Awards 2.0, organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ogun West Senatorial District, has brought together prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, youth advocates and development-oriented individuals to celebrate outstanding contributions to youth development and community advancement.
The colourful ceremony, held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the ASUP Hall of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, attracted a large gathering, with the venue filled to capacity as dignitaries and young people from across Ogun West converged for the annual recognition programme.
The event was designed to celebrate excellence, leadership, mentorship, philanthropy, community service and youth empowerment, while also providing an opportunity for the NYCN Ogun West leadership to present its stewardship report and unveil a compendium documenting programmes, activities and achievements recorded under the administration led by Kehinde Damilola.
Among the individuals and organisations honoured at the ceremony were 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.
The award recipients were recognised for contributions spanning leadership, community development, youth empowerment, philanthropy and public service.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the special recognition accorded to Pa Lisa Adejobi and Senator Kola Bajomo, who received Appreciation Awards for their longstanding commitment to mentorship, guidance and service to the people of Ogun West.
The recognition, according to the organisers, underscored the importance of intergenerational mentorship and the responsibility of experienced leaders to inspire, guide and support younger generations.
The event also recognised grassroots youth organisations and emerging leaders. The Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum emerged as the recipient of the Best Local Youth Award, while Deji Imoleayo, Sola Adeyemi, Adesanya Pareto and Tumise Adeyemi received honours in different categories following the voting process.
Beyond the presentation of awards, the programme featured discussions and advocacy on the role of young people in governance and democratic development.
The Vice Chairman of the council urged youths to participate peacefully in elections, reject electoral violence and support credible young people seeking elective positions at the National and State Assembly levels.
He also called on political leaders to create greater opportunities for young people to participate in policy formulation, political campaigns, governance and decision-making processes.
The NYCN further reaffirmed its commitment to representing the interests and aspirations of Nigerian youths at different levels, stressing that meaningful youth participation should extend beyond election periods to areas such as education, employment, leadership, policy development and community development.
As part of the organisation's current political engagement, the Ogun West youth leadership also expressed support at the event for the candidacy of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) and his Itesiwaju Agenda.
The event attracted representatives of the Ogun State Government, including a representative of the Deputy Governor, as well as Vice Chairmen of Yewa South and Yewa North Local Government Areas.
Alhaji Omolara Egungbohun led the delegation representing Alhaji Ibrahim Dende, while the Oloja of Oja-Odan led a delegation of royal fathers representing the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland.
Other guests included community leaders, youth advocates and stakeholders from across Ogun West.
The Ogun West Youth Awards 2.0 ultimately provided a platform not only for recognising individuals and organisations but also for encouraging responsible leadership, mentorship and active youth participation in community development.
With the ASUP Hall filled to capacity, the gathering ended with a shared emphasis on the importance of recognising service, empowering young people and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ogun West.
