Youth leaders across Yewaland have been urged to embrace unity, ethical leadership and active community service as key drivers of sustainable development in the region.
The call was made during a seminar titled “Building Responsible Youth Leaders for Sustainable Community Development in Yewaland,” held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Oronna Hall, Ilaro.
The programme, which attracted members of the Yewa Youth Council and youth leaders from different communities, focused on strengthening youth participation in governance, development initiatives and social progress.
Delivering the lead paper, the Vicar of Our Saviours Anglican Church, Temidire, Ilaro, Ven. Babajide O. A. Olatubosun, described young people as critical stakeholders in today’s development efforts, rather than mere leaders of tomorrow.
He identified unemployment, lack of leadership training and weak institutional support as major challenges limiting youth contributions in Yewaland.
According to him, sustainable development requires long-term social, economic and environmental growth, stressing that responsible youth leadership remains essential in achieving lasting progress.
Ven. Olatubosun urged youths to mobilise their peers, promote inclusive participation and uphold integrity in leadership.
He also called for stronger mentorship opportunities, youth-friendly policies and empowerment programmes to unlock the full potential of young people in the region.
Speaking at the event, Chief Adedeji Ogunleye, popularly known as Okado, appealed to youths to remain united if Yewaland must witness meaningful development.
“We need to be united if we want progress for Yewa land,” he said.
He lamented that some communities in the area still lack basic infrastructure such as schools and adequate teachers, urging youth leaders to encourage education and community support.
Chief Ogunleye also criticised some political representatives for neglecting their hometowns.
“Some people see money and go to Abeokuta or Lagos to build, abandoning their communities,” he said, urging stakeholders to invest in Yewaland’s growth.
He added that his decision to return to Ilaro to establish his business was driven by his desire to contribute directly to local development.
In his remarks, President of the Yewa Youth Association, Comrade Isikalu Olanrewaju Alamu, described the gathering as a leadership capacity-building retreat with a strong mandate for the future of Yewaland.
“Today is not an ordinary meeting. It is a moment of destiny — a meeting of those who will shape the future of Yewa land, starting from today,” he stated.
He noted that the retreat was designed to train and guide youth leaders who will protect and preserve the heritage and development aspirations of the region.
Comrade Isikalu expressed gratitude to the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro, for his royal support and unifying role among traditional rulers in Ogun State.
He also appreciated Ven. Olatubosun, Chief Ogunleye and other youth stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the programme.
The Yewa Youth leader urged participants to translate the lessons from the seminar into impactful service, ethical leadership and sustainable community development across Yewaland.
