NYCN Ogbomoso zone rounds off 2025 IYD with public lecture, award ceremony

Image caption: from left: Comrade Matthew Oyewusi (zonal chairman (NYCN), Mr. Sunday Adepoju (Director CIPR Federal Polytechnic Ayede) and Dr Wale Aremu (guest speaker at the occasion)

NYCN Ogbomoso zone rounds off 2025 IYD with public lecture, award ceremony

Yinka ADETUNJI

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ogbomoso zonal chapter, Saturday, rounded off the 2025 International Youth Day (IYD), with a commemorative public lecture and award presentation.

The guest speaker, Dr. Wale Aremu, enjoined Nigerian youths to take local actions towards attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing that meaningful change begins within communities before extending globally.

The event also featured the presentation of awards of honour to distinguished personalities “who have consistently supported youth-oriented projects across Ogbomosoland,” among whom were the director of educational and social services, Ogbomoso North local government, the director of CIPR, Federal Polytechnic Ayede, as well as the zonal chairman and secretary of NYCN Ogbomoso zone.

Comr. Oyewusi Mathew Afolabi, NYCN zonal chairman, in his welcome address appreciated all stakeholders who supported his administration and youth projects in the past 4 years he held sway. He equally used the medium to highlight some of the key actions/achievements of his tenure which included youth empowerment and capacity building, advocacy and civic engagement, commemoration of IYD annual events, partnerships and community impact and institutional strengthening.

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“Today is special to me for more than one reason. Not only are we gathered to celebrate the creativity, resilience, and drive of young people in our communities, it also marks the last time I would stand before you as the zonal chairman of this great council. It is a bittersweet moment, but above all, I am immensely grateful,” Oyewusi stated.

“Over the past four years, this council has grown stronger, more vibrant, and more impactful. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering commitment from members, stakeholders, and partners, we have recorded landmark achievements. Permit me to highlight a few: youth empowerment and capacity building, advocacy and civic engagement, commemoration of IYD annual events, partnerships and community impact and institutional strengthening.”

Other highlights of the day included a panel discussion, ceremonial parade, and various engaging youth activities, all aimed at inspiring collective responsibility and reinforcing the importance of youth participation in nation-building.