Ijebu-Ode—The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has reiterated the demand for inclusive development and stronger youth participation in governance in Ogun East Senatorial District during a well-attended town hall meeting with the Senator representing the district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
The town hall meeting, organised by the Ijebu-Ode Local Branch of the NYCN, was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Conference Hotel, GRA, Ijebu-Ode.
The event brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including political leaders, community elders, youth organisations, and professionals from across Ijebu-Ode and neighbouring communities.
Speaking at the event, the NYCN described the engagement as part of its commitment to promoting youth development, civic participation, and leadership inclusion at all levels of governance. The meeting was convened under the leadership of the NYCN Ijebu-Ode Coordinator, Comrade A. M. Odunowo.
More than 500 youths reportedly attended the dialogue, underscoring growing youth interest in governance and policy direction within the senatorial district. Participants raised concerns bordering on youth inclusion in decision-making, unemployment, skills acquisition, access to quality education, entrepreneurship support, and the provision of social infrastructure.
The town hall provided an open forum for frank but constructive discussions, with youths articulating their expectations from elected representatives and proposing practical solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing the district.
In his response, Otunba Gbenga Daniel acknowledged the strategic role of youths in development and nation-building. He commended the NYCN for adopting dialogue as a tool for engagement and assured participants of his readiness to collaborate with youth groups to advance sustainable development across Ogun East.
The Senator also urged young people to embrace unity, discipline, and continuous capacity building, noting that meaningful development thrives in an atmosphere of cooperation and shared responsibility.
Observers at the event noted that the orderly conduct and depth of discussions reflected effective leadership by the NYCN Ijebu-Ode Local Branch. The council was praised for positioning itself as a credible platform for youth-government engagement and a bridge between public office holders and the younger generation.
The meeting ended with a renewed call for sustained engagement between elected leaders and youths, as well as a shared commitment to translating dialogue into concrete actions that would improve opportunities and living standards across Ogun East.
The organisers described the town hall as a defining moment for youth advocacy in Ijebu-Ode, signalling a shift from apathy to active participation in shaping the future of the senatorial district.
