Ven.Babajide, Adedeji Ogunleye and Isikalu Olanrewaju urged Yewa Youth to be unite for betterment of Yewa Land
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 Olanrewaju Alamu the Yewa Youth Association President expressed profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, and Chairman of the Council of Obas in Ogun State, for his royal support, leadership, and for serving as a unifying link among the Royal Fathers across Yewaland.
Special appreciation was also extended to Venerable Babajide Olatunbosun; Chief Adedeji Ogunleye, the Olori Odo of Ilaro and Chief Executive Officer of Ellysam Hotel and Suites; Comrade Kafila Adejoke Adeoye; Comrade Yunus Fayomi; Comrade Oluwaseun Salako of the Department of Public Administration, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro; Comrade Adebayo Ismail; Comrade Ajibade Adedeji; as well as Presidents and Secretaries of various youth bodies and all Olori Odo across Yewaland for their invaluable contributions.
Isilalu urged participants to translate the lessons from the seminar into impactful service, ethical leadership and sustainable community development across Yewaland.
