The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ijebu-Ode Local Government Branch, has honoured distinguished individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to youth development, community service, leadership, culture, entrepreneurship and human capital development.
The awards were presented during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration organised by the NYCN Ijebu-Ode Local Branch, under the leadership of its Coordinator, Com. A. M. Odunowo.
The colourful event attracted community and political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, media practitioners, community development advocates and youth stakeholders from Ijebu-Ode and beyond.
The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, graced the occasion and personally presented award plaques to the recipients.
Among those honoured was Barrister Adeola Azeez, founder of the Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation, who received the Distinguished Public Service and Community Development Award for her contributions to community welfare and development.
The Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, who was represented by the Vice-Chairman, Hon. Titilayo Julius Adeyemi, received the Grand Patron of Youth Development Award in recognition of his support for youth development and community advancement.
In the religious leadership category, the Bishop of the Ijebu Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev’d. Dr Peter Rotimi Oludipe received the Distinguished Faith Leadership and Human Development Award, while the Grand Chief Imam of Ijebu Land, Sheikh Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo, received the Distinguished Religious Leadership and Community Peacebuilding Award.
Other recipients included Asiwaju Oladapo Odumosu, who received the Distinguished Philanthropy and Community Development Award, and Ambassador Sijuade Olalekan, Chief Executive Officer of Ijebu Rewa, who was honoured for Cultural Promotion, Creative Excellence and Ijebu Heritage Advocacy.
Babatunde Onabadejo, Chief Executive Officer of Ramlink Power, received the Award for Professional Excellence and Outstanding Representation of Ijebuland, and Asiwaju Tobi Obabi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Obatob Properties Ltd., was recognised for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Real Estate Development and Community Impact.
The NYCN also recognised the critical role of the media in community development. ALARÉ FM 88.3 received the Excellence in Community Broadcasting and Cultural Preservation Award, while SUPER 96.3 FM was honoured with the Excellence in Media, Public Information and Community Engagement Award.
In the technology sector, Sheriff Awonuga, Chief Executive Officer of AutoCredit Payment, received the Excellence in Technology Innovation and Youth Digital Empowerment Award.
The council also recognised individuals whose contributions to youth leadership and empowerment span several years.
They are Comrade Odunsi Bolajide, Pioneer Chairman of NYCN Ijebu-Ode Local Branch, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Youth Leadership and Service; Ambassador Thompson Paul Goodness, Chief Executive Officer of Fountline Company Limited, who received the Outstanding Entrepreneurial Leadership and Youth Empowerment Award; and Akogun Wale Raji Anomo, Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, who was honoured with the Outstanding Youth Empowerment and Human Capital Development Award.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the Coordinator of NYCN Ijebu-Ode Local Branch, Com. A. M. Odunowo, said the initiative was designed to recognise people and institutions whose contributions were making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and the wider community.
The Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, commended NYCN Ijebu-Ode for organising the awards to honour individuals making significant contributions to society and empowering the youths.
She stated, “It is a great pleasure to join the National Youth Council of Nigeria Ijebu-Ode Local Branch on this significant occasion celebrating the 2026 Ijebu-Ode Impact Awards. I commend the organisers for creating this platform to recognise individuals (whose) service, sacrifice and contributions are making a meaningful difference in our communities. I also warmly congratulate Barrister Adeola Azeez, the recipient of the Distinguished Public Service and Community Development Award. Through her compassion and generosity, she has demonstrated that leadership is not merely about occupying a position, but about using one’s influence and resources to uplift others and strengthen communities.
“I equally applaud the NYCN Ijebu-Ode Local Branch for celebrating such worthy role models, particularly during the National Youth Week, and I urge our young people to draw inspiration from these examples of purposeful leadership, service and community spirit.”
She also called on other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute their own quota towards nation-building in their respective communities.
She said, “May Barrister Adeola Azeez’s example serve as an inspiration to other Nigerians of means, reminding us that true prosperity finds its greatest value when it is channelled towards uplifting others and contributing meaningfully to the development and well-being of our communities and our society at large.”
In his remarks, Comrade Odunowo emphasised that youth development should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of government, stressing that individuals, businesses, religious institutions, media organisations, traditional institutions and other community stakeholders all have important roles to play.
According to him, the recognition of the awardees was intended to encourage them to do more while inspiring others to contribute their resources, knowledge, influence and expertise towards the development of young people.
He said the International Youth Day celebration was also an opportunity to demonstrate that young people could become stronger and more productive when supported by a community that values their potential and creates opportunities for them to thrive.
The NYCN Ijebu-Ode Branch expressed hope that the recognition would inspire more individuals and organisations to invest in youth development and contribute to the growth and prosperity of Ijebu-Ode and Ogun State.
