– By Senator Abdulhakeem Adeleke
OYO, Feb. 7, 2026 — The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Elewu Etu I, has endorsed the Ìwà Day Celebration as an annual event to be observed every February 7, charging Yoruba youths to uphold good character, responsible leadership, and enduring cultural values.
The 2026 edition of Ìwà Day was held at the Federal School of Saviour, Oyo, featuring a National Yoruba Youth Summit that brought together youths, traditional leaders, professionals, students, and stakeholders from across the Yoruba region.
Addressing participants at the summit, the revered monarch emphasised that character remains the foundation of leadership and societal development, warning that societies collapse first through moral decay before economic or infrastructural decline.
He urged young Nigerians to embrace integrity, discipline, accountability, and responsibility in their personal and public lives.
While welcoming delegates, Prof. Prince Tolani Hassan, President of the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum, assured the Alaafin of Oyo that Yoruba youths would remain committed to their cultural heritage, shun all forms of crime and criminal tendencies, avoid the abuse of social media, and uphold the good name of the Yoruba race by rising as responsible leaders of the future.
He appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare February 7 of every year as National Ìwà (Character) Day, noting that such a declaration would raise national consciousness and encourage Nigerians to be intentional about character, behaviour, morals, virtues, and values. According to him, this initiative would significantly contribute to reducing corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.
In his Goodwill message, Asiwaju Segun Nelson, National Organising Secretary of the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum, admonished youths not to let their leaders down and encouraged them to take Kabiyesi Oba Owoade as a role model in leadership, discipline, and moral conduct.
Also, goodwill messages were delivered by Comrade Mayowa Oladipupo Oyewole, Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, and Comrade Taiwo Sofiya Lateef, National Vice President of the Association of Female Comrades. They commended the organisers for choosing the institution as host and pledged the commitment of the student body to promoting good character and cultural consciousness.
Key speakers at the summit included Chief Surveyor Dupe Nihinlola Olayinka Dosumu, Rector of the Federal School of Surveying , Oyo; Dr. (Pharmacist) Kayode Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of Empire Healthcare Limited; Mr. Jubril Arogundade, Jubril of Lagos; and Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku.
They urged participants to become true Omoluabi ambassadors, stressing that leadership is rooted in service, credibility, and ethical conduct.
Speaking on youth development, Dr. (Pharmacist) Kayode Nelson noted that while competence may open doors, character is what sustains leadership, urging youths to remain principled and accountable.
The event was further enriched by cultural performances from the Sango Cultural Troupe from Ijebu Ode, which showcased Yoruba heritage through music, dance, and traditional displays.
In his remarks, Abdulhakeem Adeleke, Secretary of the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum and Official Reporter of the event, stated that the celebration reaffirmed culture as a vital tool for education and nation-building, noting that Yoruba values and traditions are designed to raise disciplined and responsible citizens.
Awards :
The Coalition conferred its highest award exclusively on :
His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Elewu Etu I,
The Alaafin of Oyo (Iku Baba Yeye)
Royal Grand Patron & Yoruba Youth Development Award
Other recognitions were presented as follows:
Chief Surveyor Dupe Nihinlola Olayinka Dosumu as Grand Matron of Yoruba Youth
Dr. (Pharm.) Kayode Nelson – FIDPM as Ogidi Omoluabi of Yoruba Youth
Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku as Ogidi Omoluabi of Yoruba Youth Leaders
Mr. Jubril Arogundade as Ambassador of Yoruba Youth & Ogidi Omoluabi Pataki
Special Appreciation :
The organisers expressed special appreciation to Reverend Dr. Kolade Dele, Personal Assistant to the Alaafin of Oyo, for his seamless coordination and support towards the success of the event.
The Coalition also extended heartfelt gratitude to all security agencies whose professionalism ensured a peaceful and orderly programme, as well as the Rector and management of the Federal School of Surveying ,Oyo, for successfully hosting the event.
