Young Nigerian to meet President of Cyprus and Turkish Cypriot leader

Nigerian graduate Olalekan Oshunkoya will meet President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat as part of a youth peace-building programme taking place in Nicosia next week.

Oshunkoya, 24, from Ogun State, was selected from hundreds of young people around the world to take part in a week-long programme of activities relating to the theme “Conflict and Beyond” as part of the Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme. The event comes just a week after long-awaited reunification talks between the Cypriot President and Turkish Cypriot leader are due to commence.

Oshunkoya is a graduate in Mass Communications and works in graphic design. He has been closely involved with youth work in Nigeria having been the director of Dreamakers International which works to empower talented young people.

As well as discussing conflict resolution with the respective leaders, Oshunkoya, along with 28 other gifted youth delegates from 21 Commonwealth countries, will take a rare tour inside the Green Line with UN Peacekeepers and participate in workshops with the UNDP and British Council.

“We need to let young people wake up to know that they are worthwhile people with unique talents and skills, and that they have the power to make a difference in their community.”

Olalekan will bring valuable enthusiasm and experience to the programme which aims to inspire leaders of tomorrow.