Tens of Ikorodu Division youths drawn from various public and private schools as well as higher institutions of learnings across Nigeria were recently empowered with international diplomatic and negotiation skills.
The unique collaborative event was sponsored by the African Youth Diplomatic Forum in partnership with Ikorodu Division Youths Initiative.
The training underscores the crucial role that youths play in tackling pressing issues in Africa and the need to develop their critical, negotiation and problem solving skills.
The 3-day International Diplomatic Simulation Program for High School and University Students in Ikorodu Division, featured special training, role-play among other hands-on diplomatic mentoring activities.
Themed, “Cultural Diplomacy: Leveraging Community-driven solutions for global impact and a sustainable future”, the strategic simulation emphasizes the need for younger generations to leverage culture and community-oriented solutions for diplomacy, seeing that this plays a pivotal role in addressing African Challenges, while also fostering teamwork in the process.
The three-day simulation program, saw students from various secondary schools students in Ikorodu Division, converge to the Gbadamosi Conference Hall of the Ikorodu Ultra-Modern Town Hall on the first day, Wednesday 25th February, 2025 while the following day, Thursday 27th February, 2025, saw the convergence of students from various universities in Lagos State for the simulation.
According to the Global Director of the African Young Diplomats Forum (AYDF), Mrs Valentina, the collaboration with the IDYI was necessitated by the burden to create a brighter future for the youth of Ikorodu and beyond.
The program culminated in the Stakeholders’ and Community Leaders Scientific Networking, held today, Friday 28th February, 2025 at the Gbadamosi Conference Hall of the Ikorodu Ultra-Modern Town Hall.
The scientific networking also features strategic sessions and keynote presentations from a myriad of community leaders and stakeholders. Prominent among whom are, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, founder Oriwu Sun Newspaper, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, DG iCare Foundation and Special to the Governor on Parking Authority and Mrs Enitan Jessica Oba, Leader, Ikorodu West LCDA Legislative Council.
Other notable speakers and panelists were, the Founder/ CEO of Ikorodu Oga Radio, Om’oba ‘Peju Akinyemi, Dr. Samson Bisiriyu, BOT Member, IDYI and Mr Kunle Adelabu, Publisher The Impact Newspaper
The scientific networking session afforded stakeholders and community leaders the opportunity to share their opinions on the role of Community Media and other channels in enhancing cultural diplomacy.
The simulation program was supported by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) with the (Position) Mr Mohammed Muse and the Assistant Director, LIRS, Mr Lanre Lawal both in attendance.
The 3-day strategic Diplomatic simulation program climaxed in the presentation of awards to outstanding students and undergraduate participants who were exceptional in the simulation from both the Secondary school and higher institutions categories.
