Stakeholders in Modakeke have called for a renewed commitment to unity, peace, and sustainable development through deliberate youth empowerment, stressing that genuine progress must rise above partisan politics and personal interests.
The call was made on Sunday, 18th January 2026 at a community development lecture and award presentation ceremony organised by the Lovely Brothers Achievers Club of Modakeke, held at Modakeke High School. The event was themed “Beyond Politics to Progress: Empowering Youth for Unity, Peace and Sustainable Development.”
The programme featured two keynote lectures delivered by Chief Professor Ayo Ogunsiji and Dr Sheriff Olatunji.
Speaking on “Beyond Politics: The Call for Unity, Peace and Sustainable Growth in Modakeke,” Chief Professor Ogunsiji emphasised that unity does not imply uniformity or the absence of disagreement, but the presence of a shared identity that transcends individual differences.
According to him, “For a town like Modakeke, this shared identity is rooted in our common origin, history, culture, and collective aspirations. Rebuilding unity therefore requires deliberate, inclusive, and non-political efforts.” He urged community leaders to establish non-partisan platforms for positive engagement, including volunteer corps for neighbourhood development, town-wide cultural celebrations such as Egungun festivals and Akoraye Day, and mentorship programmes that strengthen intergenerational relationships.
In his lecture titled “Igniting the Flame: Youth Empowerment as the Catalyst for Peace, Unity and Progress,” Dr Olatunji stressed that sustainable peace and development can only be achieved when youths are meaningfully empowered and included in community decision-making.
“It is my firm and unshakable conviction that sustainable peace, genuine unity, and meaningful development in Modakeke can only be realised when our youths are empowered, inspired, and given a sense of belonging,” he said. “When young people are trusted with responsibility and guided by a shared vision of progress, they become builders rather than breakers, peace advocates rather than agents of conflict, and innovators rather than dependents.”
Dr Olatunji further noted that investing in youth empowerment should be seen not as charity but as a strategic investment in the long-term stability, prosperity, and legacy of Modakeke.
The lecture session was followed by an award presentation ceremony. Alhaji (Dr) Fatai Kolawole was honoured as Patron of the Lovely Brothers Achievers Club, Olórì Victoria Iyabo Akintokun as Patroness, while Alhaji Wole Animasaun was honoured as Adviser to the club.
In a special recognition, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebisi Akintokun (JP), the Onidoka of Idoka Ijesa, received an Outstanding Leadership Award in acknowledgement of his contributions to community development and cultural advancement.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Club President, Achiever Oyedele Kammel Oyewale, reaffirmed the club’s commitment to the social and economic upliftment of Modakeke through youth empowerment initiatives, advocacy, and sustained community sensitisation.
Numerous traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, and public figures also lent their voices to the call for unity and youth-focused development. Among them were Oba (Dr) Olubiyi Toriola, the Ogunsua of Modakeke; Oba Michael Adedeji, the Ado-Oko of Ido-Oko Ijesa; Professor Peter Olawuni, National President of MPU; Honourable Wale Amusan; Chief Timothy Olarewaju; Honourable Mojeed Lawal, and others. They collectively stressed that political leaders must prioritise community interests over personal or partisan agendas.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Oba Michael Adejola, the Olomo of Omo Ijesa; Oba Anthony Obisanya, the Adominasi of Idominasi; Oba Babatunde Ojo, the Aladekimo of Ikimo Ijesa; Oba Isaac Coker, the Alayegunle of Ayegunle Ijesa; heads of villages, academics, artisans, youth groups, and representatives of various community organisations.
The event concluded with a renewed resolve among stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, empower young people, and foster peace as essential pillars for the sustainable development of Modakeke.
