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BY ‘DEOLA ADEYEMI
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Yewa Youth Association achieved a significant milestone on Saturday, June 22, 2024, by hosting a pioneering Youth-Legislators dialogue titled “365-Day Stewardship and Youth Dialogue: A Conversation with Yewa’s 10th National and State Legislators.”
Held at the ASUP Hall, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, event marked the first-ever gathering of all legislative representatives from Yewaland.
This groundbreaking initiative facilitated a direct and transparent exchange between Yewa’s youth and their elected officials, emphasizing themes of transparency, accountability, and youth empowerment. It also set a new standard for civic engagement, resonating beyond the region.
During the dialogue, Yewa legislators highlighted the pivotal role of youth in shaping legislative processes, affirming their commitment to fostering a brighter future for Yewaland.
President Abduljabar Ayelaagbe of the Yewa Youth Association articulated the event’s purpose: not only to acknowledge legislators but also to explore and collaborate on critical issues shaping Yewaland and the broader world.
The dialogue exemplified a proactive approach to governance and underscored the association’s dedication to continuous engagement with lawmakers. It also promises a future where youth voices are integral to decision-making processes, heralding a new era of progress and development for Yewaland.
Ayelaagbe’s emphasis on the youth’s potential to shape Yewaland’s future was echoed by Prof. Rahmon Bello, Chairman of the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC) and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos.
At the event’s opening, Prof. Bello praised the Yewa Youth Association for their effective organization and ongoing commitment to youth advancement in Yewaland.
He highlighted the event as a platform to honour legislators and facilitate an exchange on challenges facing Yewaland, aiming to find collective solutions.
The dialogue included legislators such as Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (popularly known as Yayi), representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade of Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, and Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency.
Each legislator presented stewardship reports, showcasing their achievements over the past year and outlining progress across various sectors.
This marked a pivotal moment in governance, setting a precedent for robust youth engagement and collaborative governance in Yewaland.
The State legislators present at the programme included Rt. Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, Deputy Speaker and representative of Yewa South State Constituency; Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju Awoso, serving Yewa North I State Constituency; Hon. Bisi Oyedele, who represents Idiroko/Ipokia State Constituency; and Hon. Wahab Haruna, representing Yewa North II State Constituency.
A highlight of the event was the “Yewaland of My Dream” essay competition, which awarded over 2 million Naira in prizes to secondary school students.
This competition garnered significant participation, with students showcasing their visions for Yewaland’s future. Winners received cash prizes and educational materials, acknowledging their insightful contributions.
Observers noted that the success of this youth engagement marked the beginning of a promising partnership aimed at Yewaland’s development.
The Yewa Youth Association emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and collaboration between youth and legislators. They expressed confidence that Yewa youths’ voices will remain integral in shaping decisions for a prosperous future, driven by an empowered and proactive youth movement.
The event was graced by distinguished guests and community leaders, including royal fathers from various Yewa towns such as Oba J. O Adesiyan, Onihunbo of Ihunbo-Yewa; Oba M. A Awode, Ololo of Ijofin-Yewa; Oba J. A Ajani, Opo of Idosemo-Yewa; Oba S. I Adegbola, Alaye of Oniro Agude-Yewa; Oba Olowobese Oyebanji, Oloja of Oja-Odan; and Oba Lukmon Kuoye, Onimasayi of Imasayi-Yewa, who participated virtually.
Representatives from the Council of Baales included Chief Babatunde Yinusa, Baale of Idi Isin; Chief Ibrahim Ajisafe, Baale of Ojete; Chief Olalekan Ajibola, Baale of Gbogidi; Chief Rasak Oguntola, Baale of Igbonla; Chief Abidemi Akorede, Baale of Orile-Igboro; and Chief Bidemi Idowu, Baale of Isoku.
Other notable attendees included Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, Hon. Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Ogun State; Hon. Babatunde Odunayo Olaotan, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Government House and General Matters; Dr. Adeoye Oyedeji, Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta; Chief Sunday Oladapo Oke, Registrar of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode; Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro-Yewa (represented by the Registrar, FPI); and Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, Rector of Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa.
Also present were Chief (Mrs) Yemisi Oloyo, Iya Ewe of Ilaro-Yewa; Mr Akeem Tijani, Director of Novacare (attending virtually); Dr. Hakeem Taiwo, Chairman of ASUP, FPI; Barrister Hakeem Dawodu, Dean of School of Part-time Studies, FPI; and Bldr. Dauda Adebayo, Chairman of Nigeria Institute of Building, Ogun State, among many others. Their presence underscored the event’s significance and commitment to fostering community engagement and development in Yewaland.
