OLORUNDA, Lagos — Olorunda LCDA Chairman, Hon. Peter Ajose and prominent leaders in the state have urged young people to reject political violence, develop marketable skills and take active roles in governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the 2026 International Youth Day (IYD) celebration organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Olorunda Local Branch, at the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Multipurpose Hall, Olorunda LCDA Secretariat, Iworo.
Speaking through the council’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Adele Solomon, Ajose urged youths to shun political thuggery and destructive political engagement, stressing that no political ambition was worth sacrificing their future or the peace of their communities.
“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, I urge our youths to be ambassadors of peace, unity and responsible democratic participation. Reject violence, political thuggery and every form of destructive political engagement,” the chairman said.
He also encouraged young people to pursue education, vocational training, digital learning and entrepreneurship.
Ajose pledged that his administration would continue to explore partnerships with government agencies, private organisations and development partners to expand opportunities in skills acquisition, education, sports and youth empowerment.
He said the council’s RESHAPE Agenda placed young people at the centre of its development priorities, adding that youth participation in community affairs and constructive engagement with government were necessary for Olorunda’s progress.
The chairman also called on young people to protect public facilities, promote environmental cleanliness, respect traditional institutions and embrace volunteerism and community service.
In his own speech, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, represented by Comrade Ashade Abdulsalam Abiodun, urged young people to turn their aspirations into practical achievements through continuous learning, discipline, mentorship and service.
Addressing the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” Ogunlende said young people might face different social and economic circumstances but shared similar desires for opportunity, financial independence, recognition and meaningful contributions to society.
“Your certificate may open a door, but your competence will determine how long you remain in the room,” the commissioner said through his representative.
He advised young people to acquire practical skills, develop professional relationships and take advantage of opportunities to gain experience, even when such opportunities began with volunteering or small assignments.
Ogunlende also encouraged youths to identify solutions to problems in their communities rather than allow unemployment, economic hardship and limited access to resources to discourage them.
He identified digital technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and other emerging fields as areas young people could explore to improve their prospects.
The commissioner further urged the youth constituency to prepare for leadership by understanding governance, promoting accountability and learning to disagree without resorting to hatred or violence.
He challenged participants to commit themselves to learning, discipline, service, integrity and persistence.
Meanwhile, former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Akinyemi Ashade, represented by Prince Tunji Ogabi, called for policies that would address the unequal opportunities facing young people from different backgrounds.
Ashade said young people might share similar ambitions but face different levels of access to education, technology, finance, mentorship and employment.
He urged government, the private sector, educational institutions and community leaders to invest in digital training, vocational education, reliable electricity, affordable internet access and financing opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
The former commissioner identified digital literacy, data analysis, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, digital marketing and online commerce as areas with potential to expand employment and business opportunities.
He also pointed to opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, agriculture, logistics, sports, small-scale manufacturing and the blue economy, noting that technology could help local businesses reach wider markets.
Ashade stressed that youth empowerment should extend beyond programmes designed for young people to include their participation in decisions affecting their future.
“Young people must also participate in shaping the public policies that affect Education, Employment, Security, Technology, Climate Resilience, Health and Enterprise,” he said.
He urged the NYCN and other youth organisations to promote inclusion, accountability and constructive engagement rather than serve only as platforms for individuals or partisan interests.
Ashade also challenged young people to identify problems within their wards, develop practical proposals and engage the local council, state agencies, traditional leaders, businesses and development partners to address them.
He said young people’s experiences and ideas could improve public policy when properly presented and incorporated into development planning.
In his address as the NYCN Olorunda Coordinator, Comrade Sodiq Balogun, challenged young people to move beyond demands for inclusion and participate in the political processes that determine leadership and public policy.
“We cannot continuously demand a place at the table while remaining absent from the process through which the table is constituted,” Balogun said.
He urged youths to scrutinise candidates, examine their programmes and demand accountability, stressing that elections influence policies, budgets, appointments, education, employment, security and opportunities.
Balogun also commended Ajose for supporting youth development in the council area and acknowledged the contributions of the Supervisory Councillor for Youth and Sports, Hon. Oke Joshua, to initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young people.
He expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler of Iworo Awori Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Oladele Friday Kosoko, for his support for youth engagement, while recognising the guidance of his predecessor, Hon. Comrade Abdulsalam Abiodun Ashade.
The NYCN coordinator said the council’s progress depended on collective contributions from youth leaders, ward representatives, youth organisations and the wider youth constituency.
The four addresses reflected the central message of the 2026 International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” which highlighted the shared ambitions of young people despite differences in background, access to resources and life experiences.
The speakers urged youths to prepare for leadership, strengthen their skills, embrace entrepreneurship and participate in community development while holding public officials accountable through peaceful and constructive engagement.
They also stressed that government, community leaders, private organisations and young people must share responsibility for expanding opportunities and building a more inclusive society.
The celebration ended with calls for young people in Olorunda to translate their aspirations into practical action through education, skills development, responsible citizenship and sustained participation in the development of their communities.
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