The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ipokia Local Government Branch, in partnership with community stakeholders, successfully carried out its monthly Environmental Sanitation Program on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event, held across strategic areas in Ilashe community, focused on promoting cleanliness, environmental awareness, and public hygiene.
This month’s edition saw increased community participation and drew dignitaries including the Executive Chairman of Ipokia Local Government, Hon. Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh, who joined in the clean-up to show solidarity and encourage youth-led development efforts.
The day’s activities began with an intensive clean-up across the town’s major streets, marketplaces, and public areas. Youths, residents, and NYCN volunteers worked tirelessly to clear refuse, sweep the streets, and beautify communal spaces. The NYCN leadership explained that beyond the physical cleaning, the exercise aimed to inspire environmental responsibility and sustainable sanitation culture.
Following the sanitation exercise, the NYCN delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Alase of Ilashe Kingdom, where they were warmly received by His Royal Majesty, Oba John Adewale Olaitan (Kiniun Keta) and the Chief-in-Council.
In a goodwill message, HRM, Oba John Adewale Olaitan praised the NYCN for their dedication and civic responsibility. He encouraged them to sustain their commitment and stressed the importance of teamwork and youth leadership in community transformation.
In a show of enduring support, the monarch appointed his younger brother as a liaison between the palace and the NYCN, ensuring the council has access to traditional support and resources for future programs.
In a symbolic gesture of honour and affection, the NYCN, led by its Coordinator Comr. Gbenasu Johnson, presented an NYCN jacket to the monarch, who was respectfully dressed in it by the council’s leadership. The presentation was a demonstration of love, unity, and the deep bond between the youth and the traditional institution. It signified not only royal endorsement but also the council’s heartfelt appreciation for the King’s support and presence.
Also speaking at the palace, the Palace Secretary addressed the NYCN team, commending the group for their ongoing activities and civic dedication. He expressed his pride in the youth’s accomplishments and emphasized the importance of maintaining a non-partisan identity, stating that the NYCN should be seen as a non-political body dedicated to service. His remarks reinforced the need for unity and neutrality in engaging with young people for community progress.
> “This youth initiative is worthy of every support,” the King remarked. “You have shown leadership, and it is only right that traditional institutions stand with you.”
The NYCN team proceeded to the Ilashe Market, where they engaged traders and shoppers in a community sensitization campaign on hygiene and waste management. Key messages included:
The importance of proper waste disposal
Dangers of indiscriminate dumping
Health benefits of a clean environment
The collective role of citizens in maintaining public hygiene
The sensitization exercise was well received by market stakeholders, many of whom expressed appreciation and pledged improved sanitary practices.
The final phase of the program took place at the Ilashe Community Health Centre, where NYCN members cleaned the premises to ensure a safer and more hygienic environment for patients. During the exercise, it was observed that the facility lacks adequate space and infrastructure to meet the healthcare needs of the community — a concern the NYCN has pledged to follow up on with relevant authorities.
Speaking at the end of the day’s program, NYCN Ipokia Coordinator, Comrade Gbenasu Johnson, described the initiative as a model for civic engagement and youth leadership.“This is more than a clean-up,” he stated. “It is a call to action for everyone to play their part in building a cleaner and healthier community. We thank the Executive Chairman, the Alase of Ilashe Kingdom, and the entire community for their support.”
The event had in attendance various dignitaries, including but not limited to the Executive Chairman of Ipokia Local Government, Hon. Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh, His Royal Majesty Oba John Adewale Olaitan (Kiniun Keta) Alase of Ilase Kingdom, representatives of the Community Development Association (CDA), Palace Chiefs-in-Council, the Councillor for Ihunbo/Ilashe Ward, Hon. Balogun Daniel, and other important stakeholders within the community, various NYCN leaders cut across various organisations and wards.
The July edition of the NYCN Environmental Sanitation Program was a remarkable success. From physical clean-up to civic engagement and traditional collaboration, the event demonstrated the strength of community spirit and youth-led leadership.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ipokia Branch, remains committed to promoting environmental responsibility, youth development, and inclusive community action. The council looks forward to sustaining and expanding its impact in future editions.
Signed:
Comr. Khadijat Babarinde
Secretary, NYCN, Ipokia Local Government Branch
08137740151
Comr. Gbenasu Johnson
Coordinator, NYCN, Ipokia Local Government Branch.
08135742777.
