Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, Executive Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, has called for deliberate investment in young people, describing the second edition of the Mentorship Session with HOA as an investment in the next generation of leaders.

The programme, themed “Leading with Purpose: Mentoring the Next Generation of Transformational Leaders,” brought together young participants, political leaders, professionals and community stakeholders for mentorship, knowledge-sharing and discussions on leadership, personal development, entrepreneurship and opportunities available to young people.

In his opening remarks, Aroyewun stressed that leadership must be rooted in character, strengthened by competence and demonstrated through conduct. He noted that effective leadership requires vision, courage, discipline, empathy and the willingness to take responsibility.

He challenged the mentees to see themselves as leaders in the making, urging them to listen carefully, ask questions, challenge ideas respectfully and learn from the experiences of those who had walked the path before them.

According to him, leadership does not begin with a title but with the ability to identify a problem and take steps towards solving it within the family, workplace and community.

Aroyewun further noted that challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and inequality require leaders who can think deeply, act courageously and deliver results, while pursuing ambition without sacrificing integrity.

The Special Guest, Rep. Babajimi Benson, Member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, encouraged the participants to continuously add value to themselves and explore opportunities beyond politics.

Benson noted that the session provided an avenue for young people to be upskilled, mentored and exposed to the experiences of people who had occupied similar positions. He encouraged the youths to consider opportunities in the private sector, establish businesses and take advantage of grants, corporate registration and other available support opportunities.

He also called for the HOA Mentorship Programme to be sustained, stressing that there should be a 3.0 edition, while urging that the initiative be replicated in other local governments to extend its benefits to more young people.

The keynote speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, charged members of the HOA mentorship session to build competence, character, accessibility and a strong sense of purpose.

Meranda cautioned the participants against confusing visibility with impact or political access with leadership, urging them not to sacrifice their values for temporary opportunities.

She encouraged them to build competence, protect their integrity, read widely, learn continuously and identify problems they can solve wherever they find themselves.

She described leadership as a relay race, stressing that every leader holds the baton for a season and has a responsibility to hand it over to the next generation better prepared to carry it forward. According to her, leadership that ends with an individual only builds a position, while leadership that produces people capable of leading beyond them creates a lasting legacy.

She urged the participants to lead with purpose, stand with humility, learn with curiosity, stand with courage and lead as one, reminding them that their generation does not have to wait for the future because they are already part of building it.

Also speaking in an interview, Hon. Vinod Obasa, Chairman of Agege Local Government, aligned with the message of Rep. Babajimi Benson, urging youths to add value to themselves and explore opportunities beyond politics.

He noted the vast potential in Nigeria, particularly with the country’s move from a 5,000-megawatt to a 25,000-megawatt economy, and encouraged young people to work together, work hard, persevere and continuously develop themselves to maximise the opportunities ahead.

The panel session featured Dr. Muritala Seriki, APC Candidate, LAHA Kosofe II; Damilare Orimoloye, SSA to the Governor on Sports; Dr. Adeleke Dankuwo, President, Igbogbo Youth Forum; Opeyemi Seidu, Real Estate Expert; Hon. Vinod Obasa, Chairman, Agege Local Government; Enitan Jessica Oba, Council Leader, Ikorodu West LCDA; Engr. Gbenga Ogunlewe, Director, Mechanical Department, LASRIC; and Tolulope Fani, Community Stakeholder.

The panel session provided participants with an opportunity to gain practical insights, share ideas and engage with experienced professionals on leadership, career development, entrepreneurship, public service and the opportunities available to young people.

Rep. Babajimi Benson, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Hon. Vinod Obasa, among other distinguished personalities, were also honoured with awards in recognition of their contributions to youth development, leadership and community service.