By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, HenryAkinyele and Awesu Alilu, |
Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State, has commended Awesu Halilu, a Badagry indigen, on his emergence as the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for District 9111.
The recognition came during Halilu’s investiture ceremony held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in Ikeja, Lagos.
In his keynote address, Ogunlende emphasized the importance of community service and volunteerism as pathways to success. He urged Nigerian youths to engage in impactful activities, stating, “Today, I’m the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development. How did I get here? It was through community service and volunteerism.” He encouraged young people to pursue their passions diligently, noting that opportunities often come to those who serve selflessly.
Ogunlende further highlighted Halilu’s achievement as a testament to determination, pointing out that the new DRR hails from Badagry, an area often perceived as underserved. “If he can attain this feat from Badagry, then youths in urban centers have no excuse,” he said. The commissioner called on young Nigerians to be intentional about personal development, stressing that volunteerism could open doors to greater opportunities.
In his acceptance speech, Halilu Senu Awesu, the newly inaugurated DRR, outlined his vision for the Rotary year. He pledged to leverage his position to empower young people through skill acquisition and leadership development. “I will use this platform to engage youths in volunteerism and community-building initiatives,” he said. Awesu emphasized the need for active youth participation in societal development, promising to create avenues for young leaders to thrive.
Prince Henry Olubowale Akinyele, the District Governor (2025-26) of Rotary Club District 9111, also spoke at the event, underscoring the importance of nurturing young leaders. “Rotarians are built from Rotaractors,” he stated. “With dedicated youths like Awesu transitioning into Rotarians, we can expect significant progress in our communities.” His remarks reinforced Rotary International’s commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.
The investiture ceremony attracted dignitaries, Rotarians, and youth advocates, all celebrating Awesu’s milestone. The event served as a clarion call for Nigerian youths to embrace service, leadership, and volunteerism as catalysts for personal and national growth. With leaders like Ogunlende and Awesu championing these values, the future of youth development in Lagos and beyond looks promising.