In a remarkable display of community spirit, the Ashafa Street Residents Association (ASRA) hosted its first-ever Youth Forum, tagged Ashafa Youth Day, on November 2, 2024. This landmark event brought together a diverse group of community leaders, security experts, healthcare advocates, and youth representatives, all united under the theme: A Community United for Safety, Health, and Empowerment.
The event, which took place in the vibrant neighborhood of Ojodu LCDA, aimed to address key issues affecting the youth and community at large, focusing on security, health, and education. It also served as a platform for empowering residents with vital resources and services.
Keynote speakers at the event included distinguished personalities such as Dr. Keziah Awosika, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Hon. Opeyemi Apatira, CSP Opadola Elizabeth, Mr. Shola Ajibade, Ambassador Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi, and Mrs. Adekoya Tomiwa. Their insightful contributions centered on critical topics such as domestic violence prevention, community security, healthcare improvements, and the growing role of technology in community development.
Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, delivered a powerful keynote speech on proactive strategies for preventing domestic violence. She emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces within communities and fostering open communication between residents and authorities.
Hon. Opeyemi Apatira, former Supervisor for Youths and Sports and current Leader of the House at Ojodu LCDA, commended the forum’s alignment with the local government’s Health, Education, Youth/Women Empowerment, and Social Infrastructure Development (HEYs) agenda. He reiterated the LCDA’s commitment to resource allocation for community well-being and stressed the need for sustained unity in addressing local challenges.
Healthcare was another major focus of the day. Residents received free medical services, including HPV and Yellow Fever vaccinations, vital checks, and blood sugar tests. Mrs. Adekoya Tomiwa, CEO of AIS Nursing Care Agency, led an engaging session on the importance of regular health screenings, underscoring the need for proactive health management in local communities.
In a session led by CSP Opadola Elizabeth, DPO of the Ojodu Police Division, attendees were educated on the crucial role of law enforcement in maintaining community safety. She urged residents to collaborate with the police to enhance security efforts, stressing that those who engage in or enable criminal activities would face legal consequences.
Mr. Shola Ajibade, a leading voice in the tech industry, praised the Youth Forum for its innovative approach to community engagement. He emphasized the significance of digital transformation in community administration and highlighted the importance of equipping young people with technological skills to navigate the future successfully.
Ambassador Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi, journalist and president of the Societal Concerns Organization, echoed this sentiment, noting that active community engagement is the cornerstone of progress. She lauded ASRA’s initiative to install a National flag on every house along Ashafa Street, viewing it as a symbol of patriotism and unity that aligns with the vision of the National Orientation Agency.
The forum also facilitated vital civic services for residents, offering subsidized National Identification Number (NIN) and Lagos State Identity (LASRRA) registrations. These services aimed to simplify access to essential documentation, thereby empowering more residents to participate fully in societal and governmental processes.
The event, filled with educational sessions, healthcare services, and gift giveaways, struck a balance between learning and celebration. Residents praised the ASRA Youth Forum for its practical impact, noting that the initiative had transformed their perspective on key issues like health and safety.
In a surprise closing session, Comrade ‘Deji Adebayo, Street Secretary and Youth Ambassador, led the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation and special gifts to notable attendees, including Hon. Opeyemi Apatira, Dr. Keziah Awosika, Pa S.A. Dada, Mrs. M.B. Ogunade, and Mr. Oyetunji Ashafa. He also revealed plans to present a “Giant Wall Clock” to the Ojodu Police Division as a token of appreciation for their continued support, with similar gestures promised to other special guests in the coming week.
Mr. Oyetunji Ashafa, the Youth Leader of ASRA, expressed surprise at being included in the recognition list, noting that he was unprepared for the honor. He lauded the efforts of the ASRA youth, who have been at the forefront of rebranding the street and enhancing its reputation within Yakoyo and the wider Ojodu community.
With its successful maiden edition, Ashafa Youth Day has set a new standard for community-building initiatives. The event not only empowered attendees but also fostered a stronger sense of unity and purpose, reinforcing the importance of safety, health, and collective growth for the betterment of the entire community.
