Ogun First Lady Honours Adeola Azeez, Council Bosses, Religious Leaders, Media Houses at NYCN Ijebu-Ode International Youth Day

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ijebu-Ode Local Government Branch, has honoured distinguished individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to youth development, community service, leadership, culture, entrepreneurship and human capital development.

The awards were presented during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration organised by the NYCN Ijebu-Ode Local Branch, under the leadership of its Coordinator, Com. A. M. Odunowo.

The colourful event attracted Community and political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, media practitioners, community development advocates and youth stakeholders from Ijebu-Ode and beyond.

The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, graced the occasion and personally presented award plaques to the recipients.

Among those honoured was Barrister Adeola Azeez, founder of the Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation, who received the Distinguished Public Service and Community Development Award for his contributions to community welfare and development.

The Grand Patron of Youth Development Award was presented to Hon. Dare Alebiosu, Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government and Grand Patron of NYCN Ijebu-Ode, in recognition of his support for youth development and community advancement.

In the religious leadership category, The Rt. Rev’d. Dr. Peter Rotimi Oludipe, Bishop of the Ijebu Anglican Diocese, received the Distinguished Faith Leadership and Human Development Award, while Sheikh Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo, Grand Chief Imam of Ijebu Land, received the Distinguished Religious Leadership and Community Peacebuilding Award.

Other recipients included Asiwaju Oladapo Odumosu, who received the Distinguished Philanthropy and Community Development Award, and Ambassador Sijuade Olalekan, Chief Executive Officer of Ijebu Rewa, who was honoured for Cultural Promotion, Creative Excellence and Ijebu Heritage Advocacy.

Babatunde Onabadejo, Chief Executive Officer of Ramlink Power, received the Award for Professional Excellence and Outstanding Representation of Ijebuland, while Asiwaju Tobi Obabi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Obatob Properties Ltd., was recognised for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Real Estate Development and Community Impact.

The NYCN also recognised the critical role of the media in community development. ALARÉ FM 88.3 received the Excellence in Community Broadcasting and Cultural Preservation Award, while SUPER FM was honoured with the Excellence in Media, Public Information and Community Engagement Award.

In the technology sector, Sheriff Awonuga, Chief Executive Officer of AutoCredit Payment, received the Excellence in Technology Innovation and Youth Digital Empowerment Award.

The council also recognised individuals whose contributions to youth leadership and empowerment span several years. Comrade Odunsi Bolajide, Pioneer Chairman of NYCN Ijebu-Ode Local Branch, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Youth Leadership and Service.

Ambassador Thompson Paul Goodness, Chief Executive Officer of Fountline Company in Limited, received the Outstanding Entrepreneurial Leadership and Youth Empowerment Award, while Akogun Wale Raji Anomo was honoured with the Outstanding Youth Empowerment and Human Capital Development Award.

Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the Coordinator of NYCN Ijebu-Ode Local Branch, Com. A. M. Odunowo, said the initiative was designed to recognise people and institutions whose contributions were making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and the wider community.

Odunowo emphasised that youth development should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of government, stressing that individuals, businesses, religious institutions, media organisations, traditional institutions and other community stakeholders all have important roles to play.

According to him, the recognition of the awardees was intended to encourage them to do more while inspiring others to contribute their resources, knowledge, influence and expertise towards the development of young people.

He said the International Youth Day celebration was also an opportunity to demonstrate that young people could become stronger and more productive when supported by a community that values their potential and creates opportunities for them to thrive.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Giwa Dr. Niyi Osoba, Barr. Yomi Siwoniku, the Oba Mogoosu of Ibido Ogbo, the Vice Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Titilayo Adeyemi, among other stakeholders.

The celebration highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, community institutions, private organisations and young people in building a stronger and more prosperous society.

The NYCN Ijebu-Ode Local Branch, led by Com. A. M. Odunowo, congratulated all the award recipients and described their recognition as a celebration of service, excellence and positive community impact.

The council expressed hope that the recognition would inspire more individuals and organisations to invest in youth development and contribute to the growth and prosperity of Ijebu-Ode and Ogun State.