- Damilola Sonayon James celebrates Lagos youth on International Youth Day 2026.
- She highlights youth contributions to innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, education, sports, and leadership.
- APC deputy governorship candidate stresses investment in young people as a foundation for future prosperity.
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, has celebrated the creativity, innovation, resilience, and contributions of young people across the state as the world marks International Youth Day 2026.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a message commemorating the day, James said this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” reflects the shared aspirations of young people despite differences in their backgrounds and experiences.
She noted that young people across Lagos continue to demonstrate their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society through innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, education, creativity, sports, and advocacy.
According to her, the energy and ideas of young people remain essential to building a more inclusive and prosperous society, stressing the need for continued investment in their potential.
James said she shares the conviction of the Lagos State Deputy Govern*ROYAL THRONE EMBRACES THEDSF AS ALARA OF ILARA KINGDOM RECEIVES DELEGATION*
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*The Tinubu-Hamzat Epe Division Solidarity Front (THEDSF)* continued its *extensive consultation and stakeholder engagement tour* with a courtesy visit to *His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom.*
The visit formed part of the group’s ongoing efforts to build strategic alliances with traditional institutions, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders ahead of its formal inauguration and grassroots mobilization campaign.
The THEDSF delegation was led by its *Director-General, Comrade Giwa Moshood Olasupo (G.M.O* ), alongside members of the group’s leadership and supporters.
Addressing the royal father, Comrade G.M.O. expressed appreciation to the monarch for granting the delegation audience and described the visit as an important step in fostering collaboration between the group and traditional institutions across Epe Division.
He explained that THEDSF was *established by progressive-minded youths and stakeholders from Epe Division* with the objective of *promoting political awareness, encouraging active participation in governance, and mobilizing grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the forthcoming general elections.*
According to him, the group is particularly focused on sensitizing young people on the importance of voter participation and civic responsibility, while also encouraging them to play active roles in shaping the future of their communities through constructive political engagement.
Comrade G.M.O. further noted that THEDSF is committed to peaceful mobilization, voter education, and the promotion of democratic values across Epe Division and beyond. He emphasized that the support and guidance of traditional rulers remain vital to achieving these objectives.
In his response, His Royal Majesty, *Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo* , warmly welcomed the delegation and *commended the leadership of THEDSF for embarking on consultations with key stakeholders before its formal inauguration* .
The monarch described youth participation in politics as a critical component of sustainable development and encouraged members of the group to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to serving the interests of their communities.
Oba Ogunsanwo stressed the need for political actors and youth groups to promote peace, unity, and responsible conduct throughout the political process. He noted that meaningful development can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in governance and support initiatives that advance the collective interests of society.
The Alara of Ilara Kingdom also commended the group’s commitment to political enlightenment and grassroots mobilization, describing it as a noble effort capable of strengthening democratic participation among the people.
Expressing confidence in the objectives of THEDSF, the royal father pledged his support for the group’s mission and offered royal blessings for the success of its activities. He urged members to continue engaging communities positively and to remain ambassadors of peace and progress wherever they go.
The monarch further emphasized the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and youth-driven initiatives, noting that such partnerships are essential for fostering development and social cohesion across the division.
The visit concluded with prayers for the continued peace, unity, and development of Ilara Kingdom, Epe Division, Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole. Members of the delegation also expressed gratitude to the royal father for his warm reception, wise counsel, and encouragement.
The consultation visit to the Alara of Ilara Kingdom marks another significant milestone in THEDSF’s ongoing stakeholder engagement campaign as the group continues to consolidate support from royal fathers, political leaders, and community stakeholders in preparation for its formal inauguration and future political activities.
More in this report.or and APC governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, that investing in young people is fundamental to achieving sustainable prosperity in the future.
She emphasized that empowering young people with the right opportunities, skills, education, and platforms would enable them to contribute more effectively to the development of Lagos State.
The APC deputy governorship candidate also acknowledged the resilience of young Lagosians, describing their ability to create opportunities, embrace innovation, and pursue solutions to societal challenges as worthy of recognition.
She called for continued support for initiatives that promote youth development and create opportunities for young people to thrive across different sectors.
James congratulated young people in Lagos State and beyond on the occasion of International Youth Day, urging them to continue harnessing their talents, ideas, and creativity for personal growth and the advancement of society.
She wished young people a happy International Youth Day 2026, reaffirming her belief in their capacity to play a central role in shaping the future of Lagos State.
