YETI Foundation Hosts Transformative Round Talk on Peace, Healing, and Rebuilding in Mushin

By Idris Olukoya

In a powerful display of unity and vision, the YETI Youth Empowerment Foundation convened a landmark virtual round talk on Saturday, bringing together influential voices from across the globe to discuss peace, healing, and community rebuilding in Mushin, Lagos. Themed “Creating a Peaceful Atmosphere Among the Youth and Residents of Mushin Community: Build the Youth, Build the Nation,” the event served as a beacon of hope and strategic direction for a community often portrayed through the lens of violence and unrest.

The virtual forum drew an impressive lineup of stakeholders, including policy makers, diaspora leaders, community advocates, and youth representatives. Notable participants included Commissioner Nkechi Uzoegwu, Dr. Veronica Ufoegbune (California, USA), Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye, Hon. Ajala Rasaq Olushola, Miss Sola Asekun-Amusu, Dr. Omobolanle Awero Adelakun, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, and Segun Oshidairo. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, but all were united by a common goal: empowering Mushin’s youth as a foundation for lasting peace and national development.

Addressing the Roots of Violence

Opening the dialogue, Commissioner Nkechi Uzoegwu, Executive Director of YETI Global Foundation, underscored the urgent need to address systemic issues fueling youth restiveness in Mushin.

> “There is too much violence, killings, and unrest in Mushin,” she said. “We need to change the narrative. Community leaders, elders, and government stakeholders must come together to empower our young people and engage them in meaningful ways.”

Her call for collective responsibility set the tone for the event, highlighting that lasting peace requires inclusive, community-led solutions.

A Global Perspective on Local Issues

Joining from California, Dr. Veronica Ufoegbune praised the initiative and emphasized the need for a holistic, multi-dimensional approach to youth development.

> “This isn’t just about Mushin—it’s about Nigeria’s future. We need to identify the talents of our youth, give them access to digital tools, partner with elders, and build strong community structures. Only then can we truly channel their energy into nation-building.”

The Local Lens: Reality and Potential

Hon. Ajala Rasaq Olushola, Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, provided critical context on the socioeconomic issues plaguing Mushin, identifying poverty, unemployment, territorial conflicts, and trauma as underlying causes of violence.

> “Mushin is often misunderstood. Yes, we face serious challenges, but many brilliant minds have emerged from here. We must invest in our people and shift the perception of our community,” he asserted.

Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye, Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, echoed the sentiment and emphasized mentorship and vocational training as key tools for transformation.

> “We’ve made efforts to support the youth with tools and programs that match their skills. Mentorship and continuous guidance can truly turn lives around,” he noted.

Shifting the Narrative Around Youth

Youth advocate and convener of the round talk, Miss Sola Asekun-Amusu, delivered a passionate appeal to redefine how society views young people.

> “Youths are not a problem to be solved—they are part of the solution. Mushin is full of vibrant, creative, and intelligent young people. What they need is to be heard, trained, and given real opportunities. We must end the cycle of exploitation and political manipulation.”

The Role of Family, Education, and Moral Values

Dr. Omobolanle Awero Adelakun emphasized the importance of home and education in shaping the next generation.

> “Education starts from the home. It shouldn’t be the burden of teachers alone. Beyond academics, we must promote moral values and embrace vocational education as a valid and valuable path.”

Her remarks pointed to a broader cultural shift needed to prepare youth not just for jobs—but for responsible citizenship.

A Collective Call to Action

The event concluded with remarks from Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi and Segun Oshidairo, both of whom urged for ongoing collaboration between all sectors of society—government, private sector, civil society, and families—to sustain youth engagement and development.

There was a strong consensus: rebuilding Mushin—and indeed, Nigeria—starts with investing in its youth. The round talk was not just a conversation, but a clarion call for sustainable peacebuilding, grounded in empowerment, empathy, and equity.

As one participant put it in the chat, “If we can build the youth, we will build the future.”

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