Prince Elijah Ibinayin has been recognized and honored by the Okun Youths for Change (OYC) as the Okun Youth for Change Icon of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition followed an online poll conducted across the five local government areas of Okunland, where Prince Ibinayin emerged as the overwhelming winner. This accolade is a testament to his selfless service, immense contributions to humanity, and dedication to the development of Okunland’s youths.
The award was presented in acknowledgment of Prince Ibinayin’s tireless efforts in community development and youth empowerment. His notable contributions include:
- Support for Kogi State College of Education (Technical): Prince Ibinayin has been a key figure in advancing the growth of this institution, providing strategic support to enhance its infrastructure and educational capacity.
- Provision of Boreholes for the Host Community of Kogi State University, Kabba: Recognizing the critical need for clean water, Prince Ibinayin spearheaded efforts to sink boreholes in the host community of the newly established Kogi State University in Kabba. This initiative has significantly improved access to clean water for residents and promoted sustainable community development.
- Significant Contributions to Okun Youths for Change Empowerment Program: Prince Ibinayin played a pivotal role in supporting the Okun Youths for Change Empowerment Program, an initiative aimed at empowering 40 small business owners across Okunland. These beneficiaries included POS operators, cosmetics and makeup artists, provision sellers, barbers, hairdressers, and other entrepreneurs. While several stakeholders supported this program, Prince Ibinayin’s contributions stood out for their scale and impact, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the economic upliftment of the youth.
These remarkable acts of service underscore Prince Ibinayin’s philosophy of community responsibility and his belief in empowering people to achieve self-reliance.
In his acceptance of the award, delivered through his representative, Obat I. Eseyin, Prince Ibinayin expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honor and emphasized the collective responsibility in addressing societal challenges. He stated:
“The government alone cannot solve the problem of unemployment. It is the responsibility of the elites and those whom God has blessed to contribute back to the community by empowering youths, women, and men through support for small businesses and entrepreneurial initiatives.”
Prince Ibinayin pledged to continue giving back to the community, inspiring others to join hands in building a brighter future for Okunland.
This award not only recognizes Prince Elijah Ibinayin’s outstanding contributions but also serves as a call to action for others to emulate his selflessness and commitment to community development.
Congratulations to Prince Elijah Ibinayin on this well-deserved honor!