NYCN Epe Branch Joins Global Community to Mark International Youth Day 2025

NYCN Epe Joins Global Community to Mark International Youth Day 2025.
Symposium focused on youth roles in SDGs, innovation, and community growth.
Football and games fostered unity, inclusion, and youth empowerment in Epe.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Epe Local Branch, joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day with a two-day impactful programme. The celebration, held on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, 2025, aimed to inspire, engage, and empower young people in the Epe Division through dialogue and sports activities.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that guided by the 2025 global theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, the programme brought together youth leaders, representatives, stakeholders, and community members to recognize the vital role young people play in driving sustainable change.

The first day featured an International Youth Day Symposium, which served as a platform for dialogue and reflection on youth contributions to sustainable development. Keynote speaker, Cmdr. Giwa Moshood Olasupo, Principal Environmental Officer at LASUTH, Ikeja, and a Youth Advocate, shared valuable insights on the importance of grassroots involvement in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Discussions centred on equipping youth with relevant skills, fostering innovation, and strengthening their role in governance and community development. The symposium also provided a rich opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and celebrating the resilience of young people. It underscored the commitment of the NYCN Epe Branch to create safe spaces for youths to express their ideas, harness their talents, and contribute meaningfully to societal growth.

The second day of the programme was dedicated to sports and recreational activities, aimed at fostering unity, teamwork, and healthy engagement among young people. The day commenced with excitement as the NYCN Epe Local Branch hosted the PSOA Epe Novelty Match at the Senator Tokunbo Abiru Stadium.

This featured NYCN Epe versus NYCN Eredo. In a spirited display of teamwork and camaraderie, NYCN Eredo emerged victorious, defeating NYCN Epe with a score of 5–2. The novelty match set a positive tone for the rest of the day’s events, bringing young people together in the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and community bonding.

In addition to football, various indoor games such as Scrabble, Ludo, and card games were organised. These activities created a lively and inclusive atmosphere, promoting relaxation, fun, and positive interaction among youth from across the division.

The success of the 2025 International Youth Day celebration in Epe was made possible through the active participation and support of distinguished personalities, community leaders, and partner organisations.

According to the organisers, it would not have been possible without the solid support of the Grand Patron, the Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, who consistently promotes youth development in Epe. The presence of well-wishers and active members of the council was strongly felt, making the symposium colourful.

The programme also featured leaders from youth organisations, sports associations, representatives of community-based organisations, and student groups. Their presence highlighted the collective responsibility in nurturing youth potential and promoting development across the division.

The NYCN Epe Branch expressed its profound appreciation to all dignitaries, guests, and participants whose contributions enriched the event and ensured its success.

The 2025 International Youth Day celebration was a resounding success, combining intellectual dialogue with recreational engagement to reflect the multifaceted nature of youth development. The programme strengthened solidarity among young people and reaffirmed the NYCN’s dedication to advancing youth-driven initiatives in line with the SDGs.

Building on the success of this year’s celebration, the NYCN Epe Branch intends to deepen partnerships with local organisations and institutions to broaden youth participation. Future editions will incorporate capacity-building workshops and vocational training to further enhance the skills of young people.

Additionally, greater outreach efforts will be made to ensure wider community involvement, particularly from schools and grassroots groups. The Council remains determined to sustain the culture of dialogue and recreational engagement among the youth.