…… Promises Skills, Jobs, and Support for Youth-Led Solutions
Emmanuel Clement
Odi Olowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, Lagos— The Executive Chairman of Òdì-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Hon. Dr. Seyi Jakande,has called on young Nigerians to invest in their potential by embracing innovation, entrepreneurship and civic responsibility. 
Dr. Jakande made the call on Thursday during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration organized by the Òdì-Olowo/Ojuwoye chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN at the Council Secretariat.
The event, held under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”, brought together top youth leaders, community stakeholders and hundreds of young citizens to deliberate on pathways for youth empowerment and the delivery of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his keynote address, Dr. Jakande commended the NYCN leadership for sustaining the annual tradition, describing the apex youth body as a vital bridge between government and the younger generation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s blueprint for youth development, which focuses on aggressive investment in skills acquisition and the creation of modern economic opportunities to make young people self-reliant.
“Our young people are the bedrock of our future. We must continue to invest heavily in your potential; but you must also rise to the occasion by embracing civic responsibility and utilizing innovation to pioneer economic solutions for our local communities,” the Chairman stated.
He particularly lauded the Chapter Coordinator,Comrade Okeyale Zakariyah,for his resilience in mobilizing the youth population and promoting peace and unity across the LCDA.
Investigator news reports that the celebration featured a panel of prominent youth and state stakeholders including Engineer Adigun Ibrahim,Chairman, NYCN Lagos State Chapter,Dr. Ademosu Jamiu Adeyemi DG, Lagos Youth Development Institute,Hon. Olayiwola Kudirat Omowunmi,Supervisor for WAPA, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye,Comrade Babatunde Enitan,Convener, Mushin to the World and Dr. Ajibola Yusuf,Medical Practitioner
Comrade Ismail Awofe Agbeyinka also delivered a thought-provoking exposition on the theme to widespread applause.
Also in attendance were Hon. Taiwo Ogungbe– Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Shotanwa – Supervisor for Youth and Sports,Hon. Lanre Lawal – Supervisor for Civic Engagement, and Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu– Supervisor for ICT.
Delegates agreed that deep alignment between grassroots local administrations and structured youth bodies remains critical for achieving secure and long-term socio-economic growth.
The event concluded with a renewed charge for Òdì-Olowo/Ojuwoye youths to lead with innovation, take ownership of their communities, and position themselves as drivers of grassroots transformation.
