Abeokuta, Ogun State – Tuesday, 28th July, 2026

History was made in Abeokuta North Local Government as the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Abeokuta North Local Government Branch, in conjunction with the Legislative Council, Abeokuta North Local Government, successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Children Legislative Experience (CLE) 2026, a pioneering civic education initiative designed to expose children to the workings of the legislative arm of government.

The programme brought together selected children from the sixteen wards of Abeokuta North, who participated in a simulated legislative sitting within the Legislative Chamber. The participants demonstrated remarkable confidence and understanding of parliamentary procedures as they assumed various leadership positions, including Leader of the House, Deputy Leader, Majority Leader, Clerk of the House, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Children Legislators, while other participants observed the proceedings to broaden their understanding of legislative practice.

The highlight of the sitting was the presentation of a motion on indiscriminate waste disposal and environmental sanitation, reflecting one of the pressing challenges facing communities today. During the debate, the Children Legislators made thoughtful contributions, emphasizing the responsibilities of children, parents, schools, community leaders, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and government in promoting proper waste management and maintaining a clean environment. Their submissions demonstrated that children can meaningfully contribute to discussions on issues affecting society.

At the end of the debate, the House unanimously adopted three key resolutions. The children called on residents to cultivate the habit of proper waste disposal, urged community leaders, religious institutions, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and the NYCN to intensify environmental awareness campaigns and sanitation exercises, and appealed to the Abeokuta North Local Government to strengthen waste management by providing waste collection points, refuse evacuation trucks, environmental marshals, and sustained public enlightenment programmes.

The event was witnessed by distinguished guests, including the Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo - Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Tayelolu Egbeyemi - Vice Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Moruf Erubami - Leader of the Legislative Arm, Members of the Legislative Council, HRM Oba Phillip Olusegun Ogunsola - Orunda of Olorunda, Representatives of the Ministry of Sports Development (overseeing Youth Department), Com. Akolawole Shoremi - State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria Ogun State Chapter, youth across Abeokuta North, parents, guardians, community stakeholders, and other invited guests. In their goodwill messages, they commended the initiative as a visionary platform for nurturing responsible leadership, civic consciousness, and active citizenship among children.

Speaking after the event, the Coordinator of NYCN Abeokuta North Local Government Branch, Comr. 'Mujeeb Akewugberu, described the programme as a landmark achievement in youth and civic development. He noted that the Children Legislative Experience was conceived to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical governance by giving children firsthand exposure to legislative processes while encouraging them to become ambassadors of positive change within their communities.

The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participating children in recognition of their outstanding participation, while members of the Planning Committee were honoured with Certificates of Distinguished Service for their dedication to the successful organisation of the event.

The maiden edition of the Children Legislative Experience (CLE) 2026 has undoubtedly set a new standard for children's civic engagement in Abeokuta North Local Government, reinforcing the belief that investing in young minds today is essential to building responsible leaders for tomorrow.