From Kehinde Ifakunle, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) has charged young Speakers across the country to change the narrative of governance in Nigeria by doing it well and advancing democratic ideals in the best way.
His Imperial Majesty gave the charge today at his palace in Ile Ife, Osun state while playing host to Speakers from Oyo State Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Zamfara State Assembly Speaker, Hon. Nasiru Magarya; Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danaldi Salihu; Plateau state Assembly Speaker, Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba and the Oyo State youngest Commissioner, Seun Fakorede.
Oba Adeyeye said the young speakers who are in their early thirties must justify the “Not too young to run” policy of the federal government by injecting fresh blood in the nation’s polity and displaying good leadership qualities to further lead the youths to political prominence and prosperity.
The Ooni who said he would continue to celebrate the young speakers and other young Nigerians who are appointed or elected into political positions urged them to ensure the project of Nigeria of our dream starts with them.
The Royal father, who is a prominent advocate of youth participation in politics, leadership and governance celebrated the young leaders within the youthful age bracket in his ancestral palace through Royal African Young Leadership Forum of His Imperial Majesty.
Oba Ogunwusi had regretted in the past the exclusion of youths in the nation’s political leadership and governance.
“Backwardness of youths in leadership with flimsy excuses had been a source of serious worry for me. But I am glad, against odds, youths are taking charge of the future and we must therefore celebrate the courageous ones, who grab the bull by the horns as a way of encouraging others.
“Kwara Speaker challenged Oyo State for taking the medal of young commissioner designate and that of Zamfara boasted of having the youngest Deputy Governor from his State, I must express my gladness about the competition among youth to offer quality leadership”, the monarch said at the event.
In his remarks , the Speaker Oyo state house of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin said the speakers under the “Not too young to run policy” have been working and relating together for the involvement of more youths and women in the Nigerian politics.
Hon Ogundoyin promised to partner with the Ooni of Ife on his various educational and youth empowerment programs which targeted over eighteen thousand young Nigerians across the country.
The Oyo state Speaker called for more investment in education to help the country address the different challenges confronting the nation.
Also speaking at the event, the Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly, expressed gratitude to His Royal Majesty for being an advocate of young people, national unity, social justice and equity, and called for further support and guidance of the Royal father to the young people.
“His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has so far, showed high level of confidence in youth leadership ability, and assured this will be taken further as more youthful hands will be engaged in changing the Kwara narrative and revive our lost glory.
“The youths of Kwara state have heeded the call of the Ooni of Ife to wake up from their slumber and ready to take charge. All we need is your continued support and prayers”, Salihu added.
Other Speakers who spoke at the meeting said they were happy to visit Ile Ife believed to be the ancestral home of the Yorubas and assured the traditional ruler of their resolve to justify election into political offices.
Dr Ayobami Oyedare, CEO of the Global Outreach of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, had earlier informed that the event was to celebrate young leaders in line with the advocacy of His Imperial Majesty.
News Hub Mag! recalls that in his Instagram post dated November 17, 2017, the Ooni specifically called on Nigerian youths to wake up from their slumber and bring their energy, freshness and resourcefulness to bear in addressing leadership vacuum bedeviling the country.
The visit, News Hub Mag! gathered is also to celebrate the birthday of the royal father which is in a few days time.
