Mariam Akinloye
As a follow-up up to the Community Development Dialogue earlier this year convened by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Imota Chapter, that looked into development of Imota and how to chart ways forward, the outcome has been presented and committed to the hands of major stakeholders.
NYCN members led by its Coordinator, Comrade Oriyomi Adebogun, presented the reports to the Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele and the Ranodu of Imota, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajibade Agoro, FCA., at the council secretariat and the Ranodu Palace respectively, with assurances of its implementation obtained from the major stakeholders.
The dialogue which took place in May was themed, “From Dialogue to Action: Shaping the Future of Imota LCDA Together”.
Comrade Adebogun, presenting the report to the council chairman, said the document will usher in a new beginning in Imota LCDA.
He said that the dialogue was initiated by the youth to proffer solutions and bring sustainable development in Imota LCDA:
“We believe that we can do far greater things than what we are doing today. Our main assignment is to fix things in our community and contribute meaningfully to its progress.
“This opportunity is to present the Transformative Congregation Report, which began when we sat together on May 1st, 2025. On that day, different people from various sectors within Imota CDA gathered together for a special event titled “From Dialogue to Action – Shaping the Future of Imota.”
“The purpose of that gathering was to bring the people of Imota together to discuss, share ideas, and transform those discussions into a developmental agenda for Imota LCDA for the next decade (2025–2035).”
While charging the chairman to see the presentation of the report as a call to further action, Comrade Adebogun, hinted that the youth group would be assessing the progress of development on yearly basis and that they would be asking questions.
“Although this presentation is slightly behind schedule due to several challenges — financial, personal, and organizational — we thank God that the vision is now becoming a reality. That is why we are here today. None of this is by coincidence; it is a significant new beginning for Imota LCDA.
“Sir, this is not just an ordinary visit. This marks a new chapter for Imota LCDA. I want to emphasise that we are not here to talk too much — we are here for action. What we are presenting today represents only 10 percent of what we have in store. According to our Royal Majesty, this will become a yearly event.
“Next year, we will be asking: where did we stop last year? How much progress have we made? This means we are moving beyond mere talking — we are committed to practical implementation and real change.
“During our May 1st gathering, we had representatives from all parts of Imota LCDA — including security agencies, the management of Imota General Hospital, traditional rulers, Baales, and community chiefs. Everyone shared valuable opinions and insights about the development of Imota.
All those ideas and recommendations have been carefully compiled into a document that we are presenting to you today, sir.”
The Executive Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Sunday Benson Ayodele receiving the report of the Community Development Dialogue which came up with a 10 – year plan for the council, commended the youth and promised to ensure implementation of the plan after its review.
“I received the report of the Imota LCDA Community Development Dialogue yesterday, and I expressed my profound gratitude to the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Imota LCDA Local Branch for their service in coming up with a 10-year Developmental Framework.
“To ensure we get to work on its implementation, I assured the youth council that a committee would be set up immediately. This committee will bring forward a White Paper within the next couple of weeks, which will be reviewed by my administration.
“Aftermath this review, the report and recommendations will be properly implemented. We remain committed to supporting and working towards the actualisation of a greater Imota LCDA,” Hon. Benson said.
Receiving the report from the youth, Oba Agoro commended them for their interest in the development of their society and urged them to give him some time to study and take action.
“Give me some time for me to go through it and know which one to tag with the attentions of the state, honourable members, senators et al,
upon which you should be calling me everyday for briefing and the next line of action,” the royal father said.
