ogun youth organizes 2019 gubernatorial interactive session
THE Youths of Ogun State under the Umbrella of the apex body for all Youth Organizations, National Youth Council of Nigeria, on January 30, organized an Interactive Session for all Gubernatorial Candidates in Ogun state.
The event held at the Youth Development Center, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, had in attendance some Gubernatorial Candidates as follows; Princess Eniola Otasanya-Martins of African Action Congress, Mr. Adewale Omoniyi of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party, Mr. Oluseyi Olufade of Alliance for Democracy, and Prince Ridwan Oduneye of Peoples Party of Nigeria.
In a welcome address delivered by the State Chairman of the Council, Com. (Prince) Adeleke Adebajo, the program was initiated as an advocacy to identify genuine gubernatorial representation for the good people of Ogun state, and to further promote awareness on theme for the 2018 International Youth Day, Safe Spaces for Youth, which clamours for the inclusion of youths in the political and governance affairs of every society.
Adebajo further expressed the event as an Interactive Session with an audience of Youth not conceptualized to avail debate among participating Candidates. He stated the session as a platform for the Gubernatorial Candidates to present to the Leaders and Stakeholders of various youth organizations their intended strategies on creating safe spaces for our youths both democratically and politically.
In a post-event Interview with Bloggers, the Program Coordinator, Akolawole Shoremi, described the event as a new dawn for the Council. According to him, it is high time the Council sets a standard for future Governors of Ogun state. It is in light of this that a Gubernatorial Pact was presented for the assent of all Gubernatorial Candidates. He also stated the Pact is an advocacy tool to demand for the rights of the Youths when needed.
Akolawole further extend a salutation to the State Chairman of the Council. In his words, “Adebajo's leadership has been exemplary towards creating safe spaces for the emergence of capable hands in the youthful affairs of Ogun state. He has never been known to be interested in what is in it for himself; rather, his concern has always been what is in it for us all as youths. Adebajo is a worthy role model for the youths of Ogun state. We can only long for more of his leadership.”
While delivering a Vote of Thanks on behalf of the Council, the Program Coordinator appreciated the presence of the Gubernatorial Candidates who have found it a necessity to attend to the invitation of the Council amidst their tight campaign duties.
The event, which commenced at 11am lasted for four hours. It was well attended by over One hundred Leaders and Stakeholders of various youth organizations, State Leaders of the Council, and representatives of concerned agencies including the European Union Election Observer Group.