Ondo State is set to host representatives from across Africa as the African Youth Development Parliament (AYDP) announces its decision to honour twelve distinguished Nigerians for their leadership, innovation, and impact.

The honourees include religious leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and security officials who have significantly contributed to community growth, youth development, and peacebuilding in Nigeria.

The awards will be presented in Akure, with delegates from various African nations, led by Rt. Hon. Wealth Akerele, the AYDP Speaker and first Nigerian to occupy the position since the organisation’s establishment by the African Union (AU).

Why It Matters

The recognition, according to AYDP, aims to celebrate individuals driving social and economic progress within Africa’s youth and leadership space.

“This honour reflects the continent’s commitment to spotlighting exceptional Africans whose work strengthens community resilience and inspires young people,” said Rt. Hon. Wealth Akerele.

The Speaker described the awards as “a platform for connecting Africa’s emerging leaders with those already shaping positive narratives through business, faith, education, and security.”

Profiles of the Honourees

Among those to be recognised are:

Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi, Founder and Senior Pastor of Promise Land Prophetic Ministries, for his spiritual leadership and humanitarian outreach.

Mr. Folayele Clement, CEO of Clem Gate, Clem Water, and Sola Fish, for entrepreneurship and job creation.

Mr. Ayokunle Olowokande Anigilaje, a business mogul, for contributions to regional trade and investment.

Hon. (Dr) Ayewamide Oluwafemi (Doxology), for excellence in resource management and human capacity development.

Hon. Aderemi Oyewole Guilder, Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Inter-Political Affairs, for political leadership.

Surveyor Kayode Oludare, property and land consultant, for innovations in land development.

Mr. Aribigbola Ajifowowe (Fowowe), entrepreneur, to be named Special Diplomat and Continental Ambassador, gaining eligibility for diplomatic privileges under AU recognition.

Dr (Mrs) Damilola Oshin, Founder of Mummy’s Place International School and Emplace College, for excellence in education and youth development.

CP Adebowale Lawal, Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, for outstanding leadership in security.

Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye, NSCDC Ondo State Commandant, for safeguarding national assets.

Commander Nanzing Daniel Sallah, NDLEA Ondo Commander, for combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

The CEO of Ever Shine Travels, for excellence in travel, tourism, and international partnerships.

Industry and Public Reactions

Local youth groups and civic leaders have welcomed the recognition, describing it as a “motivation for ethical leadership and youth participation in governance.”

What’s Next

The official award ceremony will take place in Akure, the Ondo State capital, and will include cultural showcases, youth policy discussions, and inter-African networking sessions.

AYDP said the initiative aims to “bridge continental partnerships” by strengthening local leadership visibility within the AU framework.

Rite Foods Limited, Nigeria’s leading food and beverage company, is strengthening its commitment to youth empowerment, education, and creative culture through two landmark initiatives: its Sosa Fruit Drink partnership with the Dolphin Swimming League and its dynamic brand presence at the 2025 Lagos Comic Convention.

These efforts reflect the company’s strategy of combining grassroots sports investment with cultural engagement to support Nigeria’s next generation of leaders, athletes, and creators.

Investing in Nigeria’s future champions

Through its flagship Sosa Fruit Juice brand, Rite Foods has partnered with the Dolphin Swimming League, Nigeria’s first private school swimming tournament.

The league, organised by Dynaspro Promotion Limited with support from the Lagos State Swimming Association and the Aquatics Federation of Nigeria, has nurtured swimmers who have gone on to represent Nigeria at junior regional, continental, and world championships.

At the media briefing, Ruth Mark, Brand Manager for Sosa, highlighted the values behind the initiative:

“Sosa believes in the family unit. The brand is for the father, mother, and children. This partnership is a strategic one for Sosa; it is focused on investing in children through the Dolphin Swimming League.”

Adding to this, Olukemi Ogunsakin, Corporate Communications Manager, Rite Foods, said the initiative aligns with two pillars of the company’s EYEC sustainability framework—Youth Empowerment and Education.

“The league is a world-class sporting platform that will elevate Nigeria’s presence on the global stage. At Rite Foods, we believe in education, promoting sustainability, and investing in youth development for a better tomorrow,” she explained.

Mr. Oyebode Oluseyi, a sports coordinator, commended the brand’s commitment, noting the league has already produced 19 gold medalists at the Lagos Sports Festival.

“This league started with just four editions and has now grown to eight. For the first time, we’re introducing long-course races of 200m–400m. With Sosa’s support, we are confident the future is bright, and we envision our students becoming Olympians,” Oluseyi said.

The league is also set to expand with the launch of the South-West Dolphin League, broadening its reach beyond Lagos.

Energising Nigeria’s creative community

At the same time, Rite Foods made a bold statement at the 2025 Lagos Comic Convention, hosted at the Landmark Convention Centre, Victoria Island.

The event, one of Africa’s most anticipated gatherings celebrating comics, animation, film, and pop culture, provided the perfect stage for Sosa Fruit Drink, Bigi soft drinks, and Rite Sausage Rolls to connect with thousands of fans and creators.

Visitors enjoyed refreshing drinks and snacks while engaging with the brand at an interactive photo booth, which became a hotspot for cosplayers and enthusiasts. More than 2,000 guests were reached, with over 600 actively participating in branded experiences.

Speaking at the convention, Boma Harrison, Head of Marketing at Rite Foods Limited, said:

“Our participation in the Lagos Comic Convention reflects our commitment to celebrating Nigeria’s vibrant creative culture. Events like this give us the opportunity to connect with our consumers in unique ways while supporting the wider entertainment and pop culture ecosystem.”

Other notable brands, including Minimie, Verve, and Carbon, also participated, signalling the growing corporate interest in Nigeria’s creative economy.

Building a legacy in sports and culture

With its dual focus on sports development and creative culture, Rite Foods is creating lasting opportunities for young Nigerians.

From backing a grassroots league that nurtures swimming talent to energising a convention that celebrates creativity, the company is setting benchmarks for corporate investment in Nigeria’s future.

Rite Foods reaffirmed its pledge to continue driving initiatives that support education, sustainability, and youth empowerment, while also strengthening ties with the country’s vibrant cultural communities.

The Alliance for Youth Nigeria has announced that more than 25,000 young Nigerians have benefitted from its skills training, entrepreneurship support, and job placement initiatives since its launch four years ago.

Founded in 2021 by Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, and U-Connect HR Limited, the Alliance is working with the Federal Ministry of Youth, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate Success International to achieve an ambitious goal: equipping 250,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills by 2030.

Training in practical skills

This year, 585 young people completed the Alliance’s Vocational Skills Training programme in Jos, gaining hands-on expertise in beauty care, video editing, solar panel installation, and web design.

Top performers were awarded start-up kits and seed capital, enabling them to immediately turn their skills into income. Many showcased their abilities through live projects, proving the direct benefits of vocational training.

Private sector commitment

Highlighting the role of business in youth empowerment, Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, said:

“As a proud member of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria is committed to the shared vision of empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together with other like-minded partners, we are creating pathways to employment, building careers, and nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape a better future for our nation.”

A global and national priority

Speaking on behalf of Naomi Nwokolo, CEO/ED, UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, Stephanie Iwunze underlined the importance of keeping pace with technological change:

“The youth constitute a vital segment of Nigeria’s predominantly young population. Now more than ever, it is imperative to invest in this generation, especially as rapid technological advancements reshape the global landscape. Without deliberate and focused action, Nigeria risks falling further behind, widening the gap in keeping pace with global progress.”

Government representatives also expressed strong support. Mrs. Deborah Simon Pitmang, Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Youth, noted:

“Any alliance that focuses on developing young people’s skills is not only building individuals, but also building the nation. Youth make up a vital segment of Nigeria’s population, and the urgent need to invest in their skills cannot be overstated. The truth remains: the higher the skills, the higher the gains.”

Driving employability

Adding the perspective of employability experts, Olamide Adeyeye, Country Head of Programmes, Jobberman Nigeria, said:

“With over 70% of our population being youth, we know that there can be no socioeconomic transformation in Nigeria without the meaningful development of young people. This is why Jobberman, as a member of the alliance, is supporting millions to be upskilled and transition into meaningful work.”

Looking ahead

Since inception, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria has transformed lives nationwide through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support. Every graduate has either secured employment or launched a business.

The Alliance says it is committed to expanding training opportunities, deepening public-private partnerships, and responding to Nigeria’s fast-changing job market.