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.

Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and technical skills development with the graduation of 20 young trainees from the 8th cohort of its Technical Training Centre in Agbara, Ogun State.

The initiative, part of the global Nestlé Needs YOUth program launched in 2013, aims to enable 10 million young people worldwide to access economic opportunities by 2030.

Since its inception in 2011, the Agbara centre has invested more than ₦6 billion in equipping young Nigerians with vocational skills in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations.

Rigorous training with global certification

The latest graduates completed an 18-month intensive curriculum combining theoretical and practical engineering education. They received the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly enhancing their employability both in Nigeria and abroad.

Across its centres in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji, Nestlé has trained over 200 young professionals. About 95% of graduates have secured employment with Nestlé Nigeria in technical and production roles.

CEO: ‘A life-changing impact’

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said:

“Each graduation ceremony is a true privilege because it allows us to witness firsthand the life-changing impact of the Nestlé Technical Training Center. Many of our graduates have gone on to build remarkable careers, including one who now serves as a Factory Engineer in Angola, and several others excelling as Engineering and Production Supervisors. From this class, five outstanding graduates will embark on an eight-week internship in Switzerland starting this October, under the framework of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria. There, they will sharpen their technical expertise and gain valuable global exposure. These achievements go far beyond individual success, they uplift families, strengthen communities, and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth.”

Nestlé Needs YOUth: Beyond training

Mr. Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the wider scope of the initiative:

“The Nestlé Technical Training Center is a cornerstone of Nestlé Needs YOUth, which empowers young people across Nigeria through four key pillars: employability, skills development, support, and access to opportunities. Beyond the training centers, our initiative includes programs such as the Nesternship Program, a virtual internship platform that allows young people to gain practical experience remotely; the Nestlé Youth Development Program, which provides training and mentorship to enhance employability; and our active participation in the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, a collaboration offering apprenticeships, traineeships, and job opportunities. Through these efforts, we reach an average of 25,000 young people annually, helping them build fulfilling careers and contribute to the growth of our communities.”

Stakeholders commend Nestlé’s efforts

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Mr. Adewale Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mrs. Adenike Aderonke, Director of Social and Labour Affairs, praised the program’s long-term impact:

“This program reaffirms our belief that skills are the future of work, especially for young people in today’s competitive environment. To the graduands, I extend heartfelt congratulations. Strive for excellence in your endeavors, uphold values of consistency, and make a positive impact in your chosen fields.”

Community leaders also showed their support. His Royal Highness, the Alagbara of Agbara, Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, said:

“I am proud to see a program that gives our youth real skills and opportunities. It is especially wonderful to see young people from my community succeeding through this initiative. I encourage these graduates to lead by example and inspire others to make the most of education, training, and personal development.”

Driving industrial growth through skills

With every cohort, the Nestlé Technical Training Centres continue to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial workforce. By empowering youth with employable skills, the initiative not only supports individual growth but also drives national economic development.

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.