In London, the Director General of the Committee of Youth on mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS), Chief Obinna Nwaka, was on Thursday warmly received by Councillor Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The high-level engagement focused on strengthening international collaboration through a proposed youth exchange program. Both leaders discussed creating opportunities for young people to gain exposure to global governance systems, public policy frameworks, and leadership practices—an initiative aligned with CYMS’s mission of youth empowerment and development.
Chief Nwaka emphasized the importance of cross-cultural learning and global engagement in shaping future leaders, noting that such exchange programs would equip participants or delegates from Nigeria with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to governance, community leadership and policy-making in their respective positions in Nigeria through the right orientation, change of mindset and taking responsibility as a leader.
Mayor Jackson welcomed the initiative, highlighting the value of international partnerships in fostering mutual understanding and youth development across borders. He expressed optimism about the potential impact of the program on young people in both communities, while pledging his support and presence during the forthcoming 2026 CYMS National Conference on Local Government autonomy to be organized in collaboration with the Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF.
As part of the visit, Chief Obinna Nwaka presented CYMS’s complementary package to Mayor Jackson. The gesture served as a token of appreciation for his leadership, commitment to partnership, and role as an inspiration to young leaders both from African and beyond.
The meeting which was held during the historic Presidential state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to the United Kingdom of marks a significant step toward deepening collaboration between CYMS and local government institutions in the United Kingdom, with both parties expressing readiness to advance discussions and bring the proposed exchange program to fruition.
