Prince Usman Hamzat Strengthens Global Partnership in Finland to Advance Youth Development in Ifako-Ijaiye
By Emmanuel Daniji
In a bold move to position Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government as a model of global collaboration and local innovation, the Executive Chairman, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat (UAH), has embarked on a strategic visit to Turku, Southwest Finland, to deepen international partnerships focused on youth empowerment, education, and sustainable development.
The visit, described as a high-level follow-up mission, was aimed at expanding cooperation in key sectors such as education, technology, governance, and economic development. During the visit, Prince Hamzat paid a courtesy call on Mr. Jyri Arponen, Region Mayor of the Southwest Finland Regional Council, where he presented a symbolic plaque to commemorate the growing relationship between Ifako-Ijaiye and the Finnish region.
Accompanying the council boss were Mr. Akeem Adegbenro Adesanya, Council Manager, and Mr. Olufemi Ojo, Special Adviser on Partnerships and Innovation. The delegation also held productive meetings with Finnish development experts, including Ms. Salla-Maria Lauttamäki and Mr. Sami Puttonen of Business Tampere, to explore ways of adapting Finland’s innovative governance models to strengthen service delivery and youth development at the local government level.
Speaking during the visit, Prince Hamzat underscored the importance of global collaboration in shaping sustainable local governance.
“We are fully committed to adopting proven global strategies to enhance service delivery and create new opportunities for our people, especially our youth,” he said.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s HEEDS Plus Agenda, which prioritizes Health, Sports and Environment; Education and Technology; Empowerment of Youth, Women and the Aged; Development of Infrastructure; Sustainable Initiatives; Good Governance and Security.
By forging stronger international ties, Prince Hamzat aims to leverage global expertise and innovation to accelerate local transformation and youth inclusion.
The Finland mission marks another milestone in his administration’s quest to make Ifako-Ijaiye a forward-looking, youth-driven, and globally connected local government—one that exemplifies the values of innovation, sustainability, and partnership in governance.
