The leadership of the Ijebu Igbo Youth Development Association (IIYDA) paid a courtesy visit to former Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Olanilekan Mustapha, CON, to formally establish a closer relationship with the elder statesman and appreciate his contributions to the development of Ijebu Igbo.
The visit, which took place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, was also an opportunity for the association to recognise Senator Mustapha’s commitment to the growth of his hometown and his sustained investment in the future of its younger generation.
Speaking on behalf of the delagation during the meeting, the Chairman of IIYDA, Alhaji Sulaiman Olusoga Alebiosu, expressed profound appreciation to the former senator for his unwavering commitment to the overall development of Ijebu Igbo, describing his contributions to the town’s progress as remarkable and worthy of commendation.
Alebiosu particularly acknowledged the various developmental projects facilitated by Senator Mustapha, including completed projects, ongoing interventions and other initiatives in the pipeline. He stressed that the youths of Ijebu Igbo do not take his efforts for granted, noting that the association and the wider community remain grateful for his invaluable contributions to the advancement of the town in all spheres.
In his response, Senator Mustapha commended the IIYDA leadership for demonstrating genuine commitment to community development by investing their time, energy and resources in the collective progress of Ijebu Igbo.
He observed that the future and advancement of any community are largely determined by the quality, orientation and disposition of its youths. He consequently applauded the association for providing purposeful leadership and remaining steadfast in its commitment to the development of the town.
The former senator also charged the youth leaders to intensify efforts towards sensitising young people, particularly those who misuse social media platforms to portray Ijebu Igbo negatively. He urged them to promote responsible online engagement and devote more attention to projecting the town’s positive attributes, achievements and development prospects rather than consistently amplifying negative narratives.
Senator Mustapha further used the occasion to highlight some of the developmental projects he had facilitated, those currently being executed and other initiatives in the pipeline, expressing confidence that they would make significant contributions to the socio-economic development of Ijebu Igbo.
He assured the association of his continued support and pledged to maintain an inclusive relationship with its leadership, particularly in matters concerning youth development and initiatives aimed at advancing the interests of the town.
Also present at the meeting was the Executive Director of Finance, South West Development Commission (SWDC), Hon. Tele Ogunjobi, FCA, who equally commended the IIYDA leadership for demonstrating exemplary citizenship through its commitment to the growth and development of Ijebu Igbo.
Hon. Ogunjobi pledged to leverage his position and professional capacity to contribute meaningfully to the association’s programmes and initiatives, as highlighted during the meeting.
The visit further provided an opportunity for the association to present some of its development-oriented programmes and strengthen its engagement with prominent sons of Ijebu Igbo towards building a more prosperous future for the community.
Those present at the meeting included: Alhaji Sulaiman Olusoga Alebiosu (Chairman, Ijebu Igbo Youth Development Association), Ogbeni Abolaji Adeniyi Sobowale (Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria Ijebu North Local Branch), Comrade Ogunnowo Adedeji (Secretary, Oke-Sopen Youth Forum), Comrade Abudu Kehinde (Chairman, Oke-Agbo Youth Development Association), Comrade Bonojo Hammed (Secretary, Oke-Agbo Youth Development Association), Comrade Muili Babatunde/(Chairman, Atikori Youth Forum), Comrade Osijirin Lekan (Secretary, Atikori Youth Foru), Comrade Hassan Abiola Oyindamola (Secretary, Ijebu Igbo Youth Development Association) and Comrade Ajibise Lateef (Secretary, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ijebu North Local Branch)
