27/05/2025
2025 CHILDREN'S DAY COMMEMORATION
NURTURING YOUNGSTERS FOR GLOBAL RELEVANCE: ADENEKAN CHARGES IFAKO-IJAIYE STUDENTS
By Taiwo Bakare
In celebration of the 2025 Children’s Day, the Councillor representing Ward C2 in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, Hon. Adenekan Ibrahim, popularly known as Phylum, hosted a grand Students’ Summit in partnership with an NGO, LIFTED. Themed “Equipping the Next Generation for Global Relevance: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders,” the summit marked the second edition of the education-driven initiative championed by the youngest Councillor in Nigeria.
The event was designed to equip students with essential tools and motivation to excel in today’s dynamic world.
The atmosphere was charged with inspiration as students participated in engaging sessions that covered academic excellence, effective habits for success, career guidance, and emotional intelligence.
In his welcome address, Hon. Adenekan emphasized that the summit was more than a Children’s Day event, it was a strategic investment in the future of young minds, preparing them for global opportunities. He reiterated his commitment to mentoring students and combating the societal challenges that often mislead youth. “Education remains the surest path to future success,” he declared, encouraging students to stay focused and goal-oriented.
Adenekan further reaffirmed his vision to make Ifako-Ijaiye the most educated local government in Nigeria. He commended the educational support initiatives of Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji (Member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ifako-Ijaiye 01) and Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat (Executive Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA), who, alongside himself, have distributed free GCE and JAMB forms to students - a gesture aimed at enhancing educational access and opportunities for Ifako-Ijaiye students.
Mrs. Francesca Nsume Okonkwo, CEO/Director of LIFTED, highlighted the NGO’s impact across various schools, underscoring its core mission: mentoring teenagers through counselling, leadership development, career guidance, character building, and emotional intelligence.
The interactive sessions featured insightful presentations by seasoned speakers on topics including The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers, academic strategies, and values-driven living. These discussions provided students with actionable guidance to pursue success while avoiding distractions.
Students shared their experiences with our correspondent:
Adetoye Grace (Bizben College): “This programme reshaped my mindset towards educational success. As tomorrow’s leaders, we must act right and stay focused.”
Oladimeji Ifeoluwa (Molaks High School): “Success is a product of determination, that’s my biggest takeaway.”
Bolaji Ashafa Muhydeen (Iju Senior Grammar School): “Learning about planning and exam preparation was particularly useful for me.”
Olaide Olamide (Providence Heights Secondary School): “Success isn’t defined by others’ opinions, but by our deliberate actions.”
Odibe Emmanuel (Dream Makers International College): “Avoiding distractions like mobile phones and social media is key. I hope more of such programmes are organized.”
Fashola Johnson (Early Heights College): “Goal-setting and consistent effort are crucial to achieving one’s dreams.”
Students expressed excitement about future editions, noting that the life lessons gained were rarely taught within the traditional classroom setting.
Dignitaries in attendance included Mr. Oshodipo Oladapo (Director/HOD, Education Department, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA), Alh. Adelani Lawal Olajide (Supervisory Councillor for Education), Mrs. Kehinde Keitell (National Orientation Agency), Mr. Segun Ojo (MD/CEO, Ifako Radio), Mrs. Anyaehie Scholastica, Hon. Kamaldeen Olanrewaju Akinwande, and Comr. Alao Michael, among others.
The event was a fitting tribute to the potential of the next generation, blending celebration with capacity-building.
It also featured academic games, with prizes awarded to outstanding students and schools.
Participating schools included Bizben International College, Bachel Model College, Everbright Schools, Dream Makers College, Iju Senior Grammar School, Molaks High School, Sonmori Comprehensive High School, Providence Heights Secondary School, among others.
Here’s wishing all children, especially those in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, a joyful and impactful Children’s Day celebration.
Happy Children’s Day!
Kudos to Hon. Ibrahim Oriyomi Adenek
