The National President of Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe, has urged youths in Ekinrin-Adde, to be intentional about character building and purposeful living.
He gave the charge during a public lecture held yesterday at the Ekinrin-Adde Event Centre as part of activities marking the maiden edition of Ekinrin-Adde Youth Carnival.
The event attracted a large audience, including His Royal Majesty, Olu Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu, the Olu Adde of Ekinrin-Adde, His Royal Highness, Oba Kayode Olorunmaiye, the Oludotun of Otun-Adde, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekinrin-Adde Police Division, EACDA executives, EACDA Past Presidents, spiritual fathers, youth leaders, and other notable sons and daughters of the community.
Addressing the gathering, Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe described character as a vital ingredient for success and urged the youths to remain focused and determined in the pursuit of their goals.
“This is the era when you must be determined and intentional in what you want your future to look like. You don’t sit down and only wish this is what you want to become, you work at it. You must do away with the use of drugs and other illicit behavior that can jeopardize your future.”
Drawing lessons from the biblical story of Joseph, he encouraged the youths to embrace the fear of God and live according to His word, stressing that the fear of God is the foundation of wisdom upon which every other achievement rests.
The EACDA President also advised young people to make productive use of information and social media platforms.
According to him, “every positive information you put together in the journey of life can be a tool for your rising that is why you must intentionally do away with any information that will corrupt your mind including negative influence that can cut short your destiny. I believe in God that every Ekinrin-Adde Youth is meant for the top.”
Also speaking at the event, the DPO of Ekinrin-Adde Police Division reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the protection of lives and property within the community and its environs.
He stressed the need for collaboration between residents and security agencies, noting that effective policing depends on credible and timely information from members of the public.
The DPO urged the youths to remain law abiding and report criminal activities to the appropriate authorities, adding that community security is a shared responsibility.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Mr. Adewale Victor Adekanye, a Uk-based indigene of Ekinrin-Adde, highlighted the crucial role of young people in community growth and development. He noted that the future of every community is determined by the quality and productivity of its youth population.
Speaking on community security, Mr. Adekanye said security is beyond the duties of security agencies and begins with citizens who are vigilant and committed to protecting lives, property, and the values that promote peaceful coexistence.
He described young people as the eyes and ears of the community, who are positioned to identify suspicious activities and emerging threats before others. He urged the youths to reject drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, violence, and other social vices capable of undermining peace and development.
On unity, the lecturer asserted that no community can make meaningful progress when divided along ethnic, political, or social lines. He noted that young people possess a unique ability to build bridges across differences through friendship, education, sports, and shared aspirations.
According to him, “Whenever young people choose dialogue over hostility, cooperation over suspicion, and understanding over prejudice, they strengthen the foundation of peace and unity within their communities.”
Mr. Adekanye explained that community development goes beyond the provision of roads, buildings, and other physical infrastructure. He said development also encompasses education, healthcare, economic opportunities, environmental sustainability, and social advancement.
He described young people as drivers of innovation and economic growth and encouraged them to become active contributors to the progress of their communities.
The lecturer challenged the youths to move beyond asking, What can my community do for me and instead begin asking, What can I do for my community?
He said, “A young teacher who volunteers to mentor children contributes to development. A youth who organises environmental sanitation contributes to development. A young entrepreneur who creates employment contributes to development. A student who promotes literacy contributes to development. A software developer who solves local challenges contributes to development. Development is not always about grand projects. Sometimes it begins with small actions consistently performed.”
While acknowledging challenges such as unemployment, inadequate skills, poor mentorship, and limited opportunities, Mr. Adekanye encouraged young people not to allow obstacles to define their future.
He maintained that history is filled with examples of individuals who turned challenges into opportunities through determination and hard work.
The maiden edition of Ekinrin-Adde Youth Carnival brought together youths, community leaders, traditional rulers, security personnel, and eminent indigenes in a commitment to youth community development.
The event afforded participants, who are majorly the youths, the opportunity to learn, interact, and draw inspiration from accomplished personalities while also reinforcing the values of responsible citizenship and service to the community.
Temibi Samuel
Special Assistant on Media to EACDA National President
25/06/2026
