Ooni Of Ife Celebrates Kwara Speaker, Others

The Royal African Young Leadership Forum of His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Babatunde (Ojaja II), the Ooni of Ife, today celebrated the Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danaldi Salihu and other young State Assembly Speakers, including political appointees within the youthful age bracket in his ancestral palace.

Others celebrated include the Speaker, Oyo state Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Zamfara state Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Nasiru Magarya, Plateau state Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba and the Oyo state youngest Commissioner, Hon. Seun Fakorede.

The Royal father, who is a prominent advocate of youth participation in politics, leadership and governance said "backwardness of youth in leadership, with filmsy excuses have 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 horn 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 youths to offer quality leadership", He added.

The Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, speaking at the event appreciated His Royal Majesty for being advocate of the young people, national unity, social justice and equity, and called for further support and guidance of the Royal father for the young people.

"His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq have 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 by the Governor in changing the Kwara narrative and revive our lost glory.'

"The youth of Kwara state have heed 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", Danladi added.

Dr Ayobami Oyedare, CEO of the Global Outreach of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, had earlier briefed the event in essence is to celebrate young leaders because it is what His Imperial Majesty advocated for, referencing an Instagram post of the His Imperial Majesty dated November 17, 2017, where he specifically call on Nigerian youths to wake up from their slumber and bring their energy, freshness and resourcefulness to bare in addressing leadership vacuum that bedeviled Nigeria..

Among the Speaker's entourage to the gracious event are the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Abubakar Magaji, Deputy Whip, Hon. Ali Amuda Jimoh, Hon. Abdulgafar Ayinla, Hon. Rasaq Owolabi, Hon. Abdulwaheed Gbenga and Hon. Ganiyu Gabriel respectively.