Independence Day: Ibonwon Youth Leader Demands Peace, Unity as Path to Community Development

Olukoya urges residents to protect Ibonwon’s reputation, youths to shun idleness and negative behaviour

By Sultan Teslim

IBONWON — The Ibonwon Community Youth Leader, Comrade Kazeem Owolodun Olukoya, has called on youths and residents to make peace, unity, love and responsible conduct the foundation of a safer and more prosperous Ibonwon, as Nigeria celebrates its Independence Day.

Olukoya made the call in his Independence Day message to residents of the community, stressing that sustained development would remain difficult without peace, harmony and collective responsibility among the people.

He urged residents across the various clans of Ibonwon to put aside differences, promote mutual respect and work together to preserve the community as a peaceful and safe place for everyone.

The youth leader particularly charged young people to reject behaviours that could undermine their future or threaten the peace of the community.

He encouraged them to remain productive by pursuing education, skills acquisition, legitimate employment, entrepreneurship and other constructive activities that could benefit both themselves and the wider community.

Warning against idleness, Olukoya said young people should avoid allowing unproductive time to expose them to negative influences. He emphasised the need for the youths to channel their energy and talents towards activities that would enhance their future and contribute to the development of Ibonwon.

Olukoya Calls for Protection of Ibonwon’s Reputation

The youth leader also appealed to residents to protect and promote the good name of Ibonwon wherever they find themselves.

He urged the people to remember and honour the contributions of the community's heroes and past generations, while encouraging today's youths to build on their legacy through responsible conduct, unity and meaningful contributions to society.

Olukoya extended his Independence Day greetings to all clans, families and residents of Ibonwon, wishing them peace, unity and continued progress.

50 JSS 1 Students to Benefit From Free NIN Registration

In a related development, Olukoya drew attention to a youth development initiative aimed at assisting 50 indigenous JSS 1 students with free National Identification Number (NIN) registration.

The initiative is intended to help the beneficiaries obtain an important form of identification and meet some of the documentation requirements associated with their transition into secondary education.

The registration exercise is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Ibonwon Community Youth Base, Idiroko, Ibonwon.

The organisers said the exercise is limited to 50 eligible indigenous JSS 1 students, with slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The programme forms part of Olukoya's stated efforts to support young people and contribute to initiatives that address practical educational and civic needs within Ibonwon.

As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, the youth leader's message places emphasis on the role of residents—particularly young people—in preserving peace, protecting the community's reputation and creating conditions for sustainable development.