The Executive Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Hon Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, has urged youth representatives from the area to be exemplary ambassadors as they depart for the African Union Leadership Youth Summit in Ethiopia.
The summit, themed “Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice for African Youth and People of African Descent Through Reparation,” will bring together young leaders from across the continent to deliberate on justice, leadership, and reparation for Africa and its diaspora.
Addressing the delegates at a farewell event, Senbanjo encouraged them to represent Apapa, Lagos State, and Nigeria with distinction.
She charged them to participate actively in the summit, pursue leadership opportunities, and return with insights that could drive community transformation.
“You are going not only as participants but as ambassadors of Apapa and Nigeria. Bring back the knowledge and experiences you gain to inspire other young people. Let your conduct reflect excellence, discipline, and leadership,” she said.
She added: “Apapa’s youth are our pride. We are sending forth our best to show the world what Nigerian youth are capable of.”
The APC Lagos State Youth Leader and member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Dr Seriki Murtala Ishola, also delivered a stirring farewell address, praising Senbanjo for her unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.
“Senbanjo has shown visionary leadership by continuously creating platforms for young people to thrive locally and internationally. Her investment in youth development has made Apapa a model of inclusion and innovation,” Dr Seriki said.
He advised the delegates to view their participation not as a mere trip but as a call to responsibility and service.
According to him, their performance and conduct at the summit would shape perceptions about Nigeria’s youth on the continental stage.
“You carry the flag of Apapa, Lagos, and Nigeria. Conduct yourselves with integrity, excellence, and purpose. Network widely and make meaningful contributions that will make your community and your country proud,” he added.
Dr. Seriki reaffirmed the APC’s continued commitment to youth development under Senbanjo’s leadership, emphasising the party’s belief in capacity building, mentorship, and leadership grooming as tools for sustainable growth.
The four delegates representing Apapa and Nigeria will participate under different African country delegations to encourage cross-national collaboration and shared learning.
They include: Comrade Idoko Samuel, Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria (Apapa Chapter), representing Nigeria under the Egypt delegation; Comrade Lukman Barakat – PRO, NYCN (Apapa Chapter), representing Nigeria under the Burundi delegation; Comrade Adedipe Taiye – President, United Apapa Youth Forum, representing Nigeria under the Seychelles delegation and Mr Oluwasanya Oluwatosin – Deputy Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Apapa Local Government, representing Nigeria under the Ethiopia delegation.
The farewell ceremony drew key government and party figures, including John Bamidele Avoseh (Chief of Staff); Mrs Sonate Oluwatoyin (Council Manager); Mrs Adedeji Lucy (Council HRO); Mrs Aka-Bashorun (HOD Agric); Dr Ishola and Gbose Rasheed (APC Lagos West Senatorial District Youth Leader).
The event underscored Senbanjo’s continued drive to position Apapa as a hub for youth leadership and innovation.
Her administration’s efforts to empower young people through mentorship, education, and international exposure have placed the local government on the map as one deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of African leaders.
