Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA Marks 2025 International Youth Day with Mentorship Session on SDGs

Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA Marks 2025 International Youth Day with Mentorship Session on SDGs

The Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ikorodu, joined the global community to celebrate the 2025 International Youth Day with a mentorship session themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”

The event, hosted by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Olalekan Aroyewun, brought together youth leaders, community stakeholders, and policymakers in a robust dialogue aimed at equipping young people for local and global impact.

In his welcome address, Hon. Aroyewun emphasized the central role of youth in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that local actions have global consequences.

“The youth are not just leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders of today—catalysts of change and partners in progress. When equipped with knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities, they can transform their communities and the world at large,” he said.

He added that his administration, guided by the GLORY Agenda, is committed to policies and initiatives that empower young people to innovate, take responsibility, and drive sustainable development.

Panel Session: Youth as Drivers of Sustainable Development

The panel session, themed “Empowering Local Youth for Global Impact: The SDGs Perspective,” highlighted the need for young people to identify and align themselves with at least one of the 17 SDGs and pursue it with passion.

Panelists urged local councilors to enact policies that reflect the principles of sustainable development while encouraging youth to ensure their work has measurable impact.
One of the speakers advised:

“When preparation meets opportunity, success is inevitable. Stay focused and committed to your chosen path.”

Hon. Moyosore of Onigbongbo LCDA encouraged the youth never to give up on their dreams, while Hon. Bola Oladunjoye, Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, challenged them to join purposeful groups where they can gain recognition and influence.

Similarly, Hon. Amir Apanisile, Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, called on young people to actively participate in community politics to amplify their voices.

“The youth are more than the elders in number. They should support one another and collaborate with those in power to achieve their goals,” he said.

Commissioner Ogunlende Urges Youth to Seize Opportunities

The keynote speaker, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, delivered an inspiring charge to the participants.

He reminded the youth that humility is a timeless virtue and urged them to maintain integrity while pursuing their aspirations. He also stressed the importance of trust between the government and young citizens.

“Governance is about the people, and there are opportunities available for youths who are prepared to take them. The Lagos State government has introduced the Business Amplifier Training programme, which will provide training and grants to registered young entrepreneurs. This is part of our strategy to tackle unemployment and stimulate innovation,” he explained.

He encouraged youths not to measure success by money alone but by the impact they make in society.

“Failure is not the end—it is part of the process of building. Let your curiosity be your compass and your integrity your anchor,” he advised.

Goodwill Messages

Other leaders present, including chairmen from  Ikorodu Local Government, Lagos Island, and Ikoyi-Obalende, delivered goodwill messages reaffirming their commitment to youth empowerment across Lagos State.

The event ended on a high note with participants leaving inspired to become active players in the pursuit of sustainable development both locally and globally.