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BY ABUSATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA – Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has advised youth of the Yewa region to strike a balance between education (career) and entrepreneurship.
Represented by Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Planning and Commissioner Designate, he made this statement during the commencement of the 3-day Yewa Youth Leadership Conference, which took place between September 13 and 15, 2023, at the ASUP Hall, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State.
This three-day event united young leaders, activists, and changemakers from various Yewa communities with diverse backgrounds for discussions on leadership, civic duty, and citizen participation.
Governor Abiodun cited a personal example and stressed that both education and entrepreneurship should complement each other for a successful life.
He encouraged participants to continue being positive representatives of their region, wherever they go in the world.
The Olu of Ilaro & Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, expressed his admiration for the newfound sense of purpose among Yewa youth and highlighted the bright future ahead.
Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Oba Olugbenle revisited the border issues, sharing his personal experiences.
He advised the region’s youth to steer clear of activities that could hinder their life goals while bestowing royal blessings on participants and those not present for success in their lifetimes.
Presenting the remarks of the Chairman of the Yewa People’s Development Council (YPDC), Professor Rahmon Bello, the Secretary-General of YPDC, Mr. Bamidele Obafemi Akinola, acknowledged the challenges faced by Yewaland, such as a weak regional economy and infrastructure deficiencies.
He emphasized education and skill acquisition as the solution to these problems and reaffirmed YPDC’s commitment to this objective.
In his welcome address, Comrade Abduljabar Ayelaagbe, President of Yewa Youth Association, welcomed all participants and encouraged them to connect, collaborate, and build lasting relationships. He also highlighted the association’s activities since its inauguration on August 7, 2022.
Two captivating keynote addresses set the tone for meaningful discussions during the conference. Dr. Funmilayo Oyefusi, Managing Partner at FTI Consulting, delivered a paper on “Building Youth Capacity for Effective Participation in Local Governance and Community Development.”
She urged attendees to view challenges as opportunities for growth and stressed the importance of innovation and collaboration in shaping a better future.
Dr. Oyefusi advocated for youth-led initiatives, skills development, mentorship, and intergenerational dialogue, fostering a platform for mutual learning between elders and youths.
In another engaging keynote address on border security, Dr. Olawunmi Adekunle proposed border dialogue as a solution to security concerns in Yewaland’s border towns.
These concerns, as noted by the former Defence Chief, stem from historical factors and shifting demographics.
He emphasized that “border dialogue is a powerful tool for building bridges, transforming conflicts, and fostering lasting peace.”
The conference also included three engaging panel sessions, each focusing on critical aspects of leadership, business, and border security.
The panel session on Leadership, titled “Opportunities and Prospects for Community Development Through Active Citizenship,” highlighted the importance of Yewa youth involvement in community development.
It was agreed that Yewa youths hold the keys to unlocking the region’s potential.
Panelists included Prof. S.O.A Fakorede from the University of Lagos, Barr. Jibola Orisadare, Managing Partner at Pleasant Advocates and Solicitors, and Dr. (Mrs.) Bunmi Olakanmi Banjo from the Department of Mass Communication at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro.
The Business panel, titled “Building Resilient Businesses: Strategies for Overcoming Challenges,” aimed to inspire entrepreneurial zeal among participants.
Mrs. Funmilayo Adetayo, CEO of Funmcy Catering Service, shared her business journey, discussing both the challenges and benefits of entrepreneurship.
Dr. Tunde Allinson presented virtually, offering insights into building business resilience and strategies for overcoming challenges.
Mr. Agboyinnu, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Trade, and Investment, Ogun State, highlighted various opportunities available for small and medium enterprises.
The Security panel, titled “Border Dialogue for Peace and Youth Empowerment in Yewaland,” provided Yewa youths with a platform to discuss challenges faced by the region due to its natural location.
Panelists included ACC Ibrahim Babangida Badaru, Assistant Comptroller from the Nigeria Customs Service; CSP Olayinka Kuye, Divisional Officer from the Nigeria Police Force, Ilaro Command; Nafiu Abimbola; and Com. Mawutin Imoleayo Deji.
This session addressed issues such as the indiscriminate use of firearms by Customs officers, the pursuit and seizure of rice bags beyond immediate border towns, and the proper dressing of Customs officers, among others.
Oba Olugbenle, the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, described this session as one of the best he had ever listened to.
During an interview with Startrend Int’l magazine and online, the programme’s convener, Comrade Abduljabar Ayelaagbe, President of Yewa Youth Association, emphasized that the success of the Yewa Youth Leadership Conference, which brought together nearly a thousand participants from Yewa communities, demonstrates the power and potential of the next generation.
He praised the attendees’ energy, passion, and dedication, expressing confidence that the ideas, collaborations, and initiatives sparked during the conference would lead to lasting impact and positive change in Yewaland communities.
Ayelaagbe encouraged participants to carry the conference’s momentum forward, addressing challenges and opportunities with the same vigor and determination that defined the event, thereby shaping a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow for Yewaland.
The programme was graced by esteemed Royal Fathers from across Yewaland, including HRM Alayeluwa Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Olu Ilaro Yewa, and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland; HRH Oba Benjamin Olanite, Onimeko of Imeko-Yewa; HRH Oba Lukmon Olalekan Kuoye, Olu of Imasayi-Yewa; HRH Oba Gabriel Ogunji, Onijoun of Ijoun-Yewa; HRH Oba Buhari Makinde, Oniwoye of Iwoye-Yewa; HRH Oba Oyebanji Olowobese, Oloja of Oja-Odan Yewa; and His Majesty, Oba A. I Akinola, Alaye of Ayetoro-Yewa, represented by Elder Israel Adeogun, Chairman of the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC) in Yewa North LGA.
Distinguished guests also graced the occasion, including His Excellency Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, represented by Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Planning and Commissioner Designate; Dr. Isiak Kunle Salako, Honorable Minister of State for Environment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (participated virtually) and Hon. (Mrs.) Lateefat Ajayi, Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, represented by Dr. Seun Abati, HOD Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro;
Others are Mr. Peter Kolawole Fagbohun, Head of Civil Service of Ogun State, represented by Mr. H.M, Ojo, Permanent Secretary, Service Matters; Dr. Mukail Akinde, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, represented by Dr. Wasiu Akinleke, Dean School of Management Studies, FPI; Prof. Rahman Bello, Chairman of Yewa People Development Council (YPDC), represented by Pastor Bamidele Akinola, Secretary-General of YPDC, and Dr. Akeem Taiwo, Chairman of the Academic Staff of the Polytechnic (ASUP) FPI, among others.
The Yewa Youth Leadership Conference, organized by the Yewa Youth Association, was a dynamic display of passion and intellect. It proved to be a resounding success, concluding on Friday, September 15, 2023, leaving attendees inspired, invigorated, and motivated.
