OSSG Convenes Stakeholders’ Meeting, Restates Commitment To Youth Development

—–As Youth Commissioner Restores Peace To Osun NYCN

The Commissioner for Youth Affairs in Osun State, Hon Olagunju Moshood Olalekan has restated the commitment of the present Administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke to championing the cause of the youth in the state.

Hon Olagunju stated that the Government is committed to the welfare and wellbeing of the youth in the state, and would leave no stone unturned in striving to support the initiatives that empower the youth and foster their development.

The Youth Affairs commissioner made this known during a Stakeholders’ meeting with the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and different youth groups in his office, on Wednesday ,February 29, 2024.

The meeting was convened to find solution to the lingering leadership crisis bedeviling the Osun State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

Addressing the youth Stakeholders who came from various states of the Federation including the National Officers of the NYCN, Osun State Commissioner for Youth Affairs denied involvement in the crisis rocking its State Chapter.

Hon Olagunju, who said the allegations and petition against him was done to tarnish his image and reputation, decided to hold the meeting with critical Stakeholders and NYCN members to resolve the issues amicably.

Olagunju further cleared the air that the crisis rocking the Osun State chapter of NYCN has been on ground before he was appointed as the Commissioner for Youth Affairs.

“I have called this press conference today to address the lingering crisis that has engulfed the State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria. As the Honorable Commissioner responsible for the Youth Affairs, I feel compelled to set the record straight and clarify my position on this matter.

“First and foremost, I want to categorically state that I am not involved in any way, shape or form concerning the crisis that has beset the State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

“Please, I want everyone to know that this crisis predated my appointment, and I have been doing everything possible to resolve it amicably. As a father for all youth, I am deeply committed to the welfare and well-being of all youth in the state and I have always strived to support the initiatives that empower them and foster their development.

“It is unfortunate that certain individuals have chosen to propagate falsehood and engage in smear campaign in an attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord within the Youth Council. However, I refuse to be distracted by these malicious attacks and I remain steadfast in my commitment to serving the people of this State with honor and dignity.

“Today, I have called upon all Stakeholders involved in this matter to prioritize the interest of our youth and work together constructively to resolve any grievances or disputes through dialogue, democratic settings and mutual respect. Our youth are the future of this nation, and they deserve our unwavering support and solidarity.

“I will like to also appreciate the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for the trust bestowed upon me to serve the youth of our dear State. I assure Your Excellency that I am committed to upholding the values of integrity, diligence, and accountability in fulfilling the duties entrusted to me.

“In conclusion, I want to re-assure the people of our dear State that I will continue to discharge my duties with the highest level of professionalism and dedication. I remain fully committed to promoting the welfare and empowerment of our youth, and I will not be discouraged by attempts to soil my reputation or undermine my integrity,” Olagunju concluded.

Delivering the remark of Amb. Sokubo Sara-Igbe Sokubo who is the National President of the Youth Council, the NYCN National Vice President, Otunba Eniola Tope commended the State Government and the Commissioner for Youth Affairs for ensuring that the young people of the State have a united front.

Tope, who officially presented to the Commissioner a letter written to the Governor of Osun State by the Grand Patron of NYCN and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, conveyed Ooni’s call to the State Government for an interface with the Amb. Sokubo Sara-Igbe Sokubo led leadership to discuss the need for an elective Congress poised to elect a credible youth leadership for Osun State. According to Ooni of Ife, the Congress, as proposed, would assist the Governor in ensuring that the good welfare and empowerment plans he has for Osun State youth are felt at the grassroots.

To avoid a vacuum in leadership, Tope affirmed the appointment of a Caretaker Committee led by Com. AbdulMajeed Oyeniyi as approved by the National Executive Council of NYCN. The Caretaker Committee has also been charged with a primary responsibility to birth a new administration within two months.

The youth Stakeholders however passed a vote of confidence on the Commissioner for Youth Affairs describing his appointment as a round peg in the round hole.

Fielding question from journalists, the Osun NYCN Caretaker Chairman, AbdulMajeed Oyeniyi, promised to do everything within his reach to stabilize the Council in the State.

He said: “My appointment as the Caretaker Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, comes with some major tasks which includes stabilizing the NYCN, making sure that all affiliated organizations are well coordinated and fully carried along in all activities of the Council. And more importantly, harnessing the needed recognition that the Organization deserves from all and sundry.

“Let me seize this opportunity to appeal to all active Members, Leaders, Stakeholders, Heads of Organizations, and Local Government Branches. Our active roles, zeal, and commitment towards the progress of the youth constituency and our beloved State shall not go in vain as we shall from this moment make your dreams for the development of the Council our first priority”.