By Ghazali Ibrahim
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikorodu North Local Branch, has marked its first anniversary in office on Thursday 25th June, 2025.
The celebration was marked with a comprehensive review of its activities, highlighting a year filled with youth-focused initiatives, community engagement, and development-oriented programs.
The executive members of the branch were elected and inaugurated on June 25, 2024, and were officially sworn in two days later on June 27 by the Legal Adviser of NYCN Lagos State.
Since assuming office, the leadership has embarked on a series of impactful activities aimed at addressing youth unemployment, improving health and wellbeing, promoting civic responsibility, and deepening digital literacy across Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
One of their first major engagements was participation in the NYCN Lagos Elective Congress held from July 1 to 3, 2024.
This was followed by a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA and other key stakeholders on July 8, showing a commitment to collaboration and grassroots engagement.
In commemoration of the 2024 World Youth Skills Day, the council organized a three-day training program from July 15 to 18 for over 150 youths in data analysis and solar panel installation.
This was complemented by a hygiene awareness campaign in partnership with Kimberly-Clark on July 16.
The council was also represented at a Lagos State security townhall meeting on July 24 and the 2024 Consultative Budget Forum the following day. A youth press conference and strategic engagement on July 31 further established the branch’s role in youth advocacy and dialogue.
The NYCN Ikorodu North also commemorated the International Youth Day from August 22 to 24 with a series of events and partnered with several organizations for capacity-building programs.
Notably, over 50 youths were enrolled in entrepreneurial training programs in September, with additional vocational skills training provided in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
In a bid to institutionalize their operations, the council received an operational office donated by the LCDA Chairman on September 26, enhancing their administrative capacity.
Throughout the last quarter of 2024 and into 2025, the council hosted several management meetings, participated in youth governance programs, and unveiled their 2025 Plan of Action during consultative forums.
Their involvement in the Isiwu Eweye Festival and the NYCN Lagos Congress in December further solidified their presence at state-level engagements.Health and safety were also prioritized.
On January 31, 2025, NYCN Ikorodu North organized a health forum which featured first aid training, CPR demonstrations, and free medical checkups.
The council also partnered with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to train 90 youths on employability, with over half reportedly employed by private firms afterward.
In March, the council collaborated with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture to train over 100 youths in agriculture, and joined the Lagos Directorate of Gender and Girl Child Empowerment to mark International Women’s Day.
More recently, the council sealed partnerships with the Data Science Club and Resolytics to launch a three-day technology empowerment program titled “Tech in Trenches,” aimed at providing youths with hands-on tech skills.
Mental health awareness was not left out, as the council organized a month-long campaign in May to destigmatize mental health issues and promote psychological well-being among young people.
As the NYCN Ikorodu North branch marks one year in office, stakeholders have commended the council for its consistent efforts in promoting youth empowerment, education, and civic participation.
Speaking at the anniversary, the Branch Coordinator described the past year as one of “vision, impact, and transformation,” adding that the council remains committed to building on the foundation laid.
“We have done a lot in one year, but our work is far from over. The future of our youth depends on what we do today, and we are ready to do even more,” the Coordinator said.
With several projects in the pipeline, including technology training, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment, NYCN Ikorodu North says it is focused on leaving a lasting legacy for the youth of the community.
