More than 2,500 secondary school students from across Ogun State gathered in Mowe for the 2026 Future Leaders Assembly, a youth leadership and civic engagement programme organised by the Dare Adeboye Foundation in partnership with the state government.
- +2,500 Ogun students attend future leaders assembly
The event, held at the Youth Centre in Redemption City, brought together students from over 150 schools, alongside teachers, policymakers and youth development advocates to discuss leadership, innovation and citizenship.
The event, held at the Youth Centre in Redemption City, brought together students from over 150 schools, alongside teachers, policymakers and youth development advocates to discuss leadership, innovation and citizenship.
Organisers said the assembly, themed “Think Global, Act Local: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders,” was designed to equip young people with leadership skills and expose them to governance, diplomacy and problem-solving.
A major feature of the programme was the second edition of the Ogun State Secondary School Model United Nations, where students debated global and national issues, including unemployment, education and workforce readiness in a digital economy.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Oluwatosin Oloko, said young people must be equipped with the knowledge and values needed to address emerging challenges.
She said the Model United Nations exposed students to diplomacy, teamwork, negotiation and conflict resolution, describing the experience as important in preparing future leaders.
“Leadership starts with everyday actions such as integrity, discipline, compassion, hard work and commitment to excellence.
“The future belongs to individuals who can think beyond their immediate environment while contributing positively to the development of their communities,” she said.
Oloko reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to education and youth-focused programmes under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.
A member of the foundation’s board, Temiloluwa Adeboye, said the assembly was created to inspire critical thinking, innovation and responsible leadership among young people.
The event also featured the Global Voice Challenge, a public speaking competition themed “How Young People Can Shape Nigeria’s Future in a Global World.”
Twelve finalists selected through essay submissions delivered speeches before a panel of judges.
At the end of the competition, Victor Oluwadamilare emerged overall winner and received a N300,000 scholarship award. Balikis Otunuga won the first runner-up prize of N200,000, while Ambassador Oreooluwa received N100,000 as second runner-up.
Participants also took part in a nation-building workshop and a “President for a Day” simulation exercise designed to strengthen public speaking, civic awareness and leadership skills.
The Dare Adeboye Foundation said the initiative forms part of its efforts to raise a generation of young Nigerians equipped to contribute to community development, national growth and global engagement.
