YEDIS Celebrated the 2026 International Day of Education

The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), in collaboration with the Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YODEI) and the Absolute Women Empowerment Initiative (AWEI), celebrated International Day of Education in Iragberi township, Egbedore Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria, on 24 January 2026. The event was notably inclusive, with participation from over 500 students from villages and towns within Egbedore Local Government. The program commenced at 9:00 a.m. and concluded at 5:00 p.m.

The event was attended by educators, political figures, community leaders, and dignitaries, including the wife of the King of Aragberi of Iragberi, who officially inaugurated the program with an opening speech. She congratulated the organisers for their efforts in implementing this empowerment and capacity-building workshop aimed at promoting quality education of the youth of Egbedore Local Government.

In his keynote address, Mr Rafiu Olaore, the Founder and Executive Director of YEDIS, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and supporters who facilitated the organisation of the program, including logistical support, educational materials, gifts, venue provision, and refreshments. He encouraged participants to develop digital skills and to engage in volunteer activities that benefit their communities and society at large, emphasising the importance of teamwork in social development.

Mr Olaore emphasised that education is a powerful tool for development and urged participants to be proactive in their educational pursuits. He advised them to adhere to relevant policies supporting their educational development and to acquire technological skills to prepare for the future, highlighting artificial intelligence as a current driver of development that can enhance educational systems if used productively.

Furthermore, he called on educators and school representatives to continuously upgrade their skills, especially in digital technology, to effectively impart impactful knowledge to their students. He also encouraged students to assist their parents in instilling moral lessons, participate in skill-acquisition programs, engage in networking, debates, and leadership activities, and join school clubs to develop leadership qualities and prepare effectively for future job opportunities.

He appealed to government officials and community leaders to support underserved youth through capacity-building programs, skills development, funding, and the construction and maintenance of educational facilities, thereby ensuring high educational standards.

Moreover, Mr Rafiu Olaore suggested establishing exchange programs between underserved and more privileged youth to foster greater understanding of opportunities beyond their local communities, thereby enhancing their capabilities.

During the event, representatives from nine secondary schools across Egbedore Local Government, including Awo, Ido Osun, Aigbe, Ara and Iragberi, participated in a debate centred on the question from the United Nations: “If you were Minister of Education for one day, what would be the first change you would make?” Each school was represented by a student, with nine participants actively engaging in the debate, each presenting their views within a five-minute limit.

The judges, appointed by the organisers, evaluated the presentations and selected three winners based on their performances. The winners and other representatives were awarded cash prizes. Additionally, notebooks, pens and light refreshments were given to all participants, sponsored by YEDIS stakeholders.

YEDIS trained facilitators, including Ms Alima Olaore, a Youth Program officer, presented the purpose of the UNESCO International Day of Education. She highlighted the United Nations’ messages on global educational development. Mr Opeyemi Adeoye, YEDIS’s IT expert, provided further insights into the implications of digital technology and artificial intelligence for education, emphasising the importance of harnessing these tools productively to advance education. 

Mrs Mary Adebayo, YEDIS Special Duties and Environmentalist, also emphasised environmental protection, climate change issues, and waste management as means of fostering a better educational system. Furthermore, Mrs Oyeniyi Oluwakemi discussed the importance of a healthy environment, highlighting the impact of good health on educational development. She advised students and youth to oppose drug abuse, avoid hooligans, arrogance, and behaviours that could hinder their development and educational progress. She also stressed that the school environment should be kept clean, and students should avoid overexertion, fighting, and misusing their abilities at a young age. They should consider the long-term effects of mismanaging their youthful age. A healthy environment will enhance their memory and instinctual capabilities. Moreso, Mr Ojo Ayobami Sunday, a lecturer from Osun State Polytechnic Iree, delivered a speech on Entrepreneurship Development and its Impact on Job Creation. 

The Coordinator of the Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YUDEI), Mr Aderinto Abiola, acknowledged his community impact and reiterated the importance of skill acquisition programs for students. He advised political officeholders that the needs of underserved youth extend beyond mere food distribution. He emphasised the importance of establishing skill-acquisition centres and training students after school so they can acquire skills that will lead to meaningful employment. 

The YEDIS CEO, Rafiu Olaore, acknowledged that supporters of the celebration included Mrs Oluseye Olutimayin, CEO of AWEI; Mrs Sakirat Lawal, CEO of Afropride Art Collections; Olaseffy Variety Stores; MUBAK Textiles; and Mrs Shipeolu Funmilayo, who helped with event logistics, including transportation for YEDIS facilitators. He also expressed gratitude to Mr Aderinto Abiola, an Iragberi Prince and YODEI Coordinator, for providing a suitable venue, mobilising participants, and ensuring smooth event coordination.

School teachers, community leaders, and representatives of student participants offered a vote of thanks, expressing appreciation for YEDIS, other partners, and distinguished stakeholders.