The Ifako-Ijaiye Local Branch of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State, has organised an epoch-making Ramadan and Lenten Interfaith Lecture aimed at fostering unity among Muslim and Christian youths.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) and the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Ifako-Ijaiye Chapter, has been described as the first Ramadan–Lenten interfaith gathering organised by a local branch of the Youth Council in Lagos State and across Nigeria.
Held at the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Secretariat Hall, the event brought together Muslim and Christian youths during the ongoing fasting seasons to reflect on faith, leadership and community development.
In his welcome address, the Coordinator of NYCN Ifako-Ijaiye, Oluwaseun Ayomase, popularly known as Asikolaye, said the initiative was conceived to promote unity among young people irrespective of religious differences.
Speaking on the theme, “Faith, Leadership and Community Transformation: The Role of Youth in Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Society,” Ayomase noted that the lecture, which serves as the council’s first major program for year 2026, was designed to commit the year into God’s hands while strengthening collaboration among faith-based youth organisations.
He added that the initiative would be sustained as an annual interfaith gathering for Muslim and Christian youth organisations in the local government.
The event featured lectures by Bro. Adeniran Abd Azeez, Deputy Murshid of NACOMYO Lagos State Chapter, and Rev. Samuel Adogoke Adediran, who highlighted the shared spiritual values of Ramadan and Lent, including sacrifice, discipline, humility, peace and service to humanity.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of NYCN Lagos State Chapter, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, MNSE, commended the Ifako-Ijaiye Youth Council for pioneering the initiative.
He described the programme as the first Ramadan–Lenten Interfaith Youth Lecture organised by the council in Nigeria and urged other local branches across the country to emulate the initiative.
Adigun also encouraged young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the democratic process by supporting credible leaders.
Special prayers were offered for the peace and progress of Nigeria, Lagos State and Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, as well as for political leaders including the Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat; member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo; and member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, OON, JP.
Ayomase also appreciated Adedeji for his continued support for youth development in the local government area.
Other dignitaries at the event included Emeritus Chairman of NYCN Lagos State, Amb. Olayinka Oresile; NYCN Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Comr. Victor K. Adogbajale; former Secretary of NYCN Ifako-Ijaiye, Bro. Ukachukwu Calistus; State Chairman of Lads and Lasses, Brigadier Olugbenga Adesola; Deputy Secretary of NYCN Lagos State, Comr. Rasheedat Adekoya; and immediate past Deputy Coordinator of NYCN Ifako-Ijaiye, Alao Michael.
The organisers also appreciated Pocari Sweat for supporting the programme and the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government for providing an enabling environment for youth-driven initiatives.
