The Dare Adeboye Foundation, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, has brought together over 2,000 secondary school students from more than 100 schools across the state to participate in the first-ever Ogun Secondary School Model United Nations (OSSMUN) programme. Held as part of the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, the event served as a landmark initiative aimed at cultivating youth leadership, innovation, and diplomacy among Nigeria’s next generation.
According to the organisers, the programme offered students a unique platform to explore global issues through simulated United Nations General Assembly debates. The event was an expression of the Foundation’s enduring commitment to providing equitable access to leadership opportunities, in line with its mission to inspire youth-led transformation through education, mentorship, and kingdom-driven excellence.
Founded in memory of Pastor Oluwadamilare Temitayo Adeboye, the Dare Adeboye Foundation continues to champion initiatives that foster integrity, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership among young Nigerians. Its activities, according to the organisers, are geared towards nurturing students’ potential through value-based programming that prepares them for impactful futures.
This year’s OSSMUN was themed “Technology and Innovation for Youth Empowerment”. The event challenged students to role-play as international delegates, enabling them to deliberate on real-world challenges, propose forward-thinking solutions, and sharpen essential 21st-century skills like public speaking, diplomacy, and collaborative problem-solving.
The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology was ably represented by Dr (Mrs) M. O. Akinola-Okereafor, the Director of Education Support Services. In her goodwill address, she lauded the Foundation for creating a powerful platform that aligns with the state government’s broader educational goals of building globally competent citizens.
“This initiative is not just a celebration, it is a strategic empowerment vehicle,” Dr Akinola-Okereafor said. “We are proud to partner with organisations like the Dare Adeboye Foundation that are equipping our students with tools for both global relevance and local impact. Our hope is that more private stakeholders take inspiration from this effort.”
One of the event’s major highlights was a keenly contested quiz competition, which drew participation from select schools across Ogun State. Winners were awarded cash prizes as follows: ₦300,000 for first place, ₦200,000 for second, and ₦100,000 for the third-place team. The competition was broadcast live, offering the public a glimpse into the intellectual prowess and poise of participating students.
Beyond the educational sessions, the event created space for collaboration and creativity, nurturing among participants a sense of civic duty, ambition, and confidence. According to the Foundation, such experiences are crucial for helping students see themselves as agents of change both within their communities and on the global stage.
Senior officials of the Dare Adeboye Foundation, including Board Member Mr Emmanuel Emefienim, Mr Adeolu Adeboye, and Mrs Temi Adeboye, were in attendance. In separate interviews, they expressed their enthusiasm for the programme and reaffirmed the Foundation’s long-term commitment to providing transformative opportunities for young people, regardless of their socio-economic background.
“We believe that every child whether from a city or village deserves the tools to succeed and lead,” said Mr Emefienim. “Through education, mentorship, and faith-driven leadership development, we are preparing these young minds for a future built on purpose and impact.”
