Top government functionaries, political leaders, and community stakeholders on Saturday, April 19, 2025, converged at the Topmost Event Centre in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, for the Oro Youth and Development Summit organized under the auspices of Oro Community.
The high-profile event had in attendance the Speaker of the 10th Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, who was the Special Guest of Honour. Represented by Hon. Seun Ogunniyi, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Member representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency, the Speaker delivered a goodwill message, commending the organizers for championing youth inclusion and empowerment.
In his address, the Speaker challenged the youth to rise above mediocrity and strive to add value in every sphere of influence, noting the strategic efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in placing young people in leadership positions.
He emphasized that these deliberate youth-centered appointments signal trust in the ability of the Nigerian youth to lead effectively.
Highlighting intergenerational cooperation, the Speaker acknowledged the presence of elders and traditional leaders at the summit, including the Baale of Oro, Chief Raphael Olateju Afolabi, describing it as a testament to the enduring unity of purpose between the older generation and the youth of Oro.
“This synergy reflects a community ready to progress, where the elders offer wisdom and the youth embrace guidance,” he said.
The summit’s keynote lecture was delivered by the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. Dayo Israel.
Speaking on the theme “The Role of Nigerian Youth in Nation and Community Building,” Dr. Israel encouraged young Nigerians to be different, build capacity, and pursue their dreams with unwavering faith in God.
He stressed the need for visionary thinking and community-driven leadership among emerging youth leaders.
Also present at the summit were notable dignitaries, including: Mr. Anthony Adeboye (Zulu Authority), Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Alhaja Kudirat Lai Mohammed, wife of the former Minister of Information and Culture, Hon. Olayinka Fafoluyi, SSA to the Kwara State Governor on New Media, Hon. Lawal Sulaimon Duduyemi, APC Kwara State Youth Leader, Prof. Bababode Bojuwoye, National President, Oro Community Association, Comrade Muktar Akoshile, Vice President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Chief Adeniyi Oyeyiola, Chairman, Organizing Committee, Sir John Adeoti, Baba Ijo of Oro Catholic Church, Alhaji Saka Ameen-Ikoyi, Chairman, Oro Muslim Community, Mrs. Veronica Oyeyiola, community leader among others.
The event concluded with a renewed call for unity, capacity development, and collaborative action to build a more inclusive and progressive community where the energy of youth meets the wisdom of age.
