By Samuel Omofala
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Professor Kayode Alao and Honourable Gbenga Ogunkanmi urged young Nigerians to engage in politics and prioritize the development of their communities. They expressed these at the FASU Summit organized by the legislative arm of the Federation of Ayedire Students’ Union in Ile-Ogbo, Osun State.
The event, titled “Students’ Parliamentary Summit 2.0,” also featured a spelling bee competition and an award ceremony.
Professor Alao, the guest speaker, asserted that Nigeria’s challenges stem from a lack of commitment by its citizens. “Nigeria is not working because we are not giving our best to it. There is no youth engagement in politics because the youth are not giving their best to politics. Life is transactional. If you do not give your best to life, do not expect the best in return,” he said.
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He cited examples of prominent leaders, such as Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Muhammed, and Obafemi Awolowo, who rose to prominence and contributed significantly to the nation during their youth.
“Gowon was 31 when he became head of state. Murtala Mohammed was 36. Olusegun Obasanjo was 38. Obafemi Awolowo was 45 when he became premier and transformed the Western region,” he noted, urging the youth to stay connected to their roots and seek the development of their localities.
Honourable Gbenga Ogunkanmi, the keynote speaker, delivered a speech titled “Empowering Students’ Voices: Enhancing Youth Participation in Education Policy and Political Engagement,” in which he examined the current landscape and the way forward. He emphasized that with 60% of Nigeria’s population being youths, they represent the present rather than the future.
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He pointed to the increase in youth representation in mainstream politics, citing the example of the Osun State House of Assembly, which is now largely composed of young members. He encouraged students to get involved in politics from their college days and to build careers outside of politics.
According to him, “If you do not have a career outside politics, you may end up working like a slave without fulfilling your aspirations.” Finally, he advised young politicians to build reputable names for themselves and view political parties as vehicles for actualizing their ideas.
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The final round of the Spelling Bee Competition organized as part of the summit, followed shortly after. Five students received certificates of excellence and free UTME forms. The overall winner and two runners-up received cash prizes in addition to their certificates and UTME forms.
Odunola Eniola Inioluwa of Gilgal College, Oluponna, was declared the overall winner and was awarded a cash prize of 25,000 Naira. Lambo Tamar and Ayanboye Tolani of Lanre Leke Sports Academy, Ile-Ogbo, received 15,000 Naira and 10,000 Naira as first and second runners-up, respectively.
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Another highlight of the day (FASU Summit) was the launch of FASU magazine and the presentation of awards. The magazine was launched by Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi who made a promise of 100,000 Naira and Honourable Leke Ogunsola who launched it with an undisclosed amount.
Among those who were awarded included Olori Esther Mosobolaje of Oluponnaland, Olori Abebi Makama of Kutaland, Honourable Elisha Oderinwale Akinyemi (member representing Ayedire State Constituency at the Osun State House of Assembly), Honourable Eniola Odeniyi (Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun State on Public Enlightenment), Honourable Tunji Ogunrinu (former Vice Chairman, Ayedire South LCDA), and Professor Kayode Alao (the guest speaker). They were rewarded for their contributions to the community.
Other recipients were students’ leaders, and they include Gbotemi Adigun (President of the Federation of Oluponna Students’ Union), Nafiu Adeyemo (FASU Senate President) and Oladapo Olakunle (Speaker of Great Ife Students’ Representative Council). Others are Comrades Adedeji Roqeeb Ariyo, Okunloro Seyi, Adeyemo Nafiu Kehinde, Akintayo Sodeeq Opeyemi and Oluwatoyin Nusroh Amuda. They were all awarded for their outstanding service to the union in various capacities.
