[FULL DETAILS]: Oluomo of Ijebu Igbo, Alhaji Chief Olawale Lawal Abinugbola Meets Youth Leaders, Moves to Revive Youth Development Association
Ayo Marvel 
The Oluomo of Ijebu Igbo, Alhaji Chief Ismail Abiodun Olawale Lawal Abinugbola, has taken steps to strengthen youth leadership in the town. He held an important meeting with youth leaders to revive the Ijebu Igbo Youth Development Association (IIYDA).
The meeting took place at the Oluomo’s office and brought together youth representatives from the five communities in Ijebu Igbo, Oke Sopen, Oke Agbo, Japara, Atikori, and Ojowo. Many described the gathering as a positive move toward unity and better organization among young people in the town.
The NYCN Coordinator for Ijebu North Local Branch, Ogbeni Abolaji Adeniyi Sobowale, introduced the youth leaders and recognized representatives from the various youth forums present.
During his speech, Alhaji Chief Lawal Olawale Abinugbola stressed the importance of unity, discipline, and cooperation among youths. He advised them to avoid actions that could cause division and instead work together for the progress of the town.
“The future of our town depends on the youth,” he said. “Be fair in your leadership and avoid being too controlling. Work together as one.”
A major focus of the meeting was the revival of the IIYDA, which the Oluomo described as the main body for coordinating youth activities in Ijebu Igbo. He explained that a strong and active association would give youths a united voice and help promote development in the community.
He encouraged the youth leaders to begin discussions immediately and set up a committee that will draft a new constitution for the association. This constitution will guide how the group operates and ensure proper structure and accountability.
Alh. Chief Abinugbola also assured the youths that their opinions would be represented at the Orimolusi-in-Council, showing his commitment to including young people in traditional leadership decisions.
The youth leaders welcomed the idea and praised the Oluomo for taking the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, the Chairman of IIYDA, Hon. Comrade Olusoga Sulaimon Alebiosu (H2O), spoke about the history of the association. He explained that IIYDA once played key roles during major events in the town, including community crises and important traditional ceremonies. He said bringing the association back to life is very important for unity and development.
In his closing remarks, the Oluomo commended the youths for their past efforts and urged them to speak with one voice for the peace and progress of Ijebu Igbo. The meeting ended with a closing prayer from Hon. Olawale Oroyinyin, the Councilor representing Ward 6 (Oke Sopen) and Chairman of the Oke Sopen Youth Forum.
The meeting marks a new beginning for organized youth participation in Ijebu Igbo, with high hopes for stronger unity and community development moving forward.
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Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
Ademola Busayo