By Emmanuel Daniji

The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area, Mayor Ameen Apanisile, has received a delegation of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Ikorodu North, as the team presented young people in the community with an opportunity to access a $50,000 climate action grant.

The delegation, comprising Suliyat Y. Oguns, Executive Director of Next Generation Sustainable Initiative; Musodiq Abd’Ahmed, Secretary; and Makinde Oluwayinka, YCAF Ikorodu North Team member, briefed the council chairman on the initiative and its opportunities for young climate advocates, environmental campaigners, students and other youths residing within the LCDA.

Sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Youth Climate Action Fund is designed to support youth-led innovations, climate action initiatives, environmental solutions and sustainability projects. Ikorodu North is among 300 cities globally selected to benefit from the fund.

The open call for applications and proposals commenced on August 15, 2026, and will close on September 30, 2026.

The delegation also highlighted the proposed Lagos Youth Rising Mega Clean-up 2.0, which is expected to serve as an awareness and advocacy platform while promoting sustainable waste management and the development of a circular economy across Ikorodu Division.

During the visit, the team expressed its readiness to align with the New Deal Agenda of the Apanisile administration, particularly its emerging focus on environmental sustainability and the Green Mission.

The delegation noted that Ikorodu North occupies a strategic position, with one of Lagos State’s major tertiary institutions and a significant industrial area located within the community. It therefore stressed the importance of responsible waste management, environmental sustainability and meaningful youth participation in addressing the area’s development challenges.

The team encouraged young people across the LCDA to take advantage of the YCAF opportunity by developing innovative ideas and practical solutions capable of making Ikorodu North cleaner, safer and more environmentally sustainable.

Responding, Mayor Apanisile welcomed the initiative and commended the delegation for its commitment to youth development and environmental sustainability.

The chairman expressed his administration’s readiness to support initiatives that align with the council’s development vision, particularly programmes that empower young people while contributing to a cleaner and safer community.

He also encouraged youths across Ikorodu North to explore the grant opportunity and actively participate in environmental initiatives, stressing that youth involvement remains critical to achieving sustainable community development.

The visit further strengthened the partnership between the Ikorodu North LCDA and youth-led organisations working to promote environmental responsibility, sustainability and community development.

It also underscored the growing importance of youth-driven climate action in building a greener, cleaner and safer Ikorodu.