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By: Manoah kikekon
The Gbenu Youth Movement made history on Wednesday as it hosted its first-ever leadership summit at Suntan Beach, Badagry-West LCDA, rallying young minds to embrace innovative leadership and sustainable development.
With the theme “Youths as Catalysts and Agents of Innovative Leadership and Sustainability,” the event brought together top speakers, emerging leaders, and community stakeholders to chart a new course for youth empowerment in the region.
The summit kicked off with an electrifying panel session featuring industry leaders such as Dr. David Asogba, CEO of Reftop Homes; Mr. Kappo Samuel, Senior Special Assistant on Tertiary Education to the Lagos State Governor; and Amb. Otunba Olayinka, Special Aide to Hon. Temitope Adewale.
The speakers dissected the challenges of leadership while urging participants to leverage innovation for community transformation.
Dr. Asogba particularly emphasized the power of social media in amplifying youth-led initiatives, stating, “Your impact is only as strong as your visibility use digital platforms wisely.”
In a stirring goodwill message, Pastor Meshach Wheto, Director of Suntan Beach, and Mrs. Bunmi Onilude, Founder of the DGI Initiative, called on young people to shun negative vices and embrace responsibility.
Pastor Wheto warned against drug abuse and frivolity, declaring, “True leadership begins with self-discipline and a commitment to excellence.” Mrs. Onilude echoed his sentiments, urging youths to take ownership of their communities through proactive engagement.
A second panel featuring young changemakers Gbeyon Ayomide (President, National Association of Badagry Students), Hunye Minasu Joseph (Convener, Badagry Blood Drive Initiative), and Comrade Enayon Dishu (Convener, CleanUp Badagry Initiative) inspired attendees with their grassroots leadership experiences. Comrade Dishu’s statement, “Sustainability is not an option but a necessity for progress,” resonated deeply, reinforcing the summit’s core message.
Princess Damilola Sonayon James, Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West LCDA, delivered a powerful keynote, challenging youths to make strategic impacts through volunteerism. “Leadership is not about titles but tangible contributions,” she asserted, encouraging participants to engage in community service as a pathway to influence.
The summit reached a crescendo with the conferment of honorary titles on distinguished personalities. Pastor Meshach Wheto was named Patron, while Mr. Ibrahim Rauf Yemaren, APC Chairmanship candidate for Badagry West LCDA, was decorated as Grand Patron. The sitting Chairman, Mr. Gbenu Joseph, received the prestigious Life Patron title. Additionally, Dr. David Asogba and Princess Damilola Sonayon James were both honoured as Youth Ambassadors for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among attendees, who left equipped with practical insights and a stronger network for collaborative growth. The Gbenu Youth Movement has set a bold precedent, proving that the future of Badagry-West lies in the hands of its innovative, determined youth.