By Esther Onyegbula

The Chairman of Badagry-West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Joseph Gbenu, has called on youths across the council to take responsibility for their future by becoming more productive, patriotic, and community-focused.

Gbenu issued the charge on Friday during the maiden edition of the Gbenu Youth Summit, held at Sultan Beach, Badagry. The event, themed “Youth as a Catalyst and Agents of Innovative Leadership and Sustainability,” was organized to empower young people with tools for leadership and national development.

Addressing a large gathering of young people, stakeholders, and community leaders, Gbenu emphasized that the progress of any society depends on the mindset and actions of its youth. He warned against negative behavior such as cyberbullying and “pull-them-down” tendencies, advising that such attitudes not only hurt others but also backfire on the perpetrators.

“You must be responsible, productive, and patriotic if you truly want to see your communities grow,” he said. “We must stop the pull-down syndrome. What goes around comes around.”

The council boss also urged young people to be cautious of their digital footprints, warning that social media content could have lasting consequences. “Be mindful of what you post online, your words will live there forever,” he cautioned.

In a forward-looking recommendation, Gbenu appealed to the incoming local administration to create a supervisory role for youth affairs to increase youth participation in governance and policy implementation.

Also speaking at the summit, Ms. Damilola James, the Supervisor for Agriculture in Badagry-West LCDA, stressed the importance of innovation, collaboration, and creativity in helping youths achieve their life ambitions. She urged young people to work towards becoming indispensable assets in their communities.

Adding a business perspective, Mr. David Asogba, CEO of Reftop Homes Ltd., shared the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, particularly inconsistent government policies. He applauded the passage of a recent tax reform bill, noting that it would help ease the burden on startups.

“Still, the reforms are not enough. We need to continue engaging the government to create a more supportive environment for small businesses,” he said.

Asogba encouraged participants to maintain resilience in the face of obstacles, describing challenges as opportunities in disguise. “In every trouble, there is a solution. Don’t let hard times discourage you,” he added.

Convener of the summit, Mr. Sunday Aladeotan, described the event as a landmark gathering aimed at igniting a culture of leadership and nation-building among young people. “This summit is more than a meeting, it’s a collective effort to empower and mobilise young minds for positive change,” he said.

The event drew dignitaries from various sectors, many of whom were honoured for their contributions to youth development. Hon. Gbenu was decorated with a Life Patron Award in recognition of his commitment to youth empowerment and community growth.