A former student leader at the University of Ibadan, Adeola Adelabu as been installed as the speaker of the Oyo State chapter of Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN).
At the official inauguration, where a youth summit with the theme, Role of Young People in Participatory Democracy, at the historic House of Chiefs Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan, a former speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Barr. Mikail Alarape, who was the guest lecturer, charged the youth on the need for agenda setting, purposeful participation in constructive advocacy and strong mobilization for the downward review of electoral age in Nigeria which, in his words, is not in consonance with global standard.
In his address, the group’s patron, Hon. Dapo Lam-Adesina, who represents Ibadan North East / South East in the House of Representatives, advised members of YAN and the general public to invest their time in relevant and purposeful activities that can help them become better and independent individuals in order to be able to contribute maximally to the development of their society. He further advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used by any politician for their selfish purposes.
While delivering the opening speech as the chairman of the event, Honourable Olusegun Olaleye, who is a member of the State Assembly, admonished the youths to strive towards self-sustenance while he promised to always work with YAN to unlock opportunities for the Oyo youth.
Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, who is the special guest of honour, gave a goodwill message to the youth of the state, urging them to believe in their abilities to contribute to the development of the society and work towards same.
The Speaker and members were led in oath by the National Speaker of YAN, Rt(Hon) Amb. G.T.C Samuel ably represented by Amb Damilare Adeyelu.
In his remarks, Ambassador Adelabu, popularly called Ògbéni Labzy, said that “since lack of employment and empowerment for the youth is one of the major reasons some youths engage in negative activities and get used as instruments for the perpetuation of heinous crimes, he pledged that the Assembly under his leadership will profer self-help solutions to stem the negative tides in line with the objectives of the Assembly.
Goodwill messages also came from the National Patron of YAN Hon. Uche Nwosu (Chief of Staff IMO State Govt House), Hon Abiodun Awoleye Dada, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin and Ambassadors from sister states.
