Youths from Iwoland (Iwo, Ayedire and Ola-Oluwa local Government Areas) attended the maiden edition of Iwoland Youth Conference which took place at SeeBee Hotels and Event Centre, Iwo on Saturday, 8th of April, 2017.
A total number of six hundred and thirty seven (637) youths were registered at the conference venue while another hundreds of youth participated in the conference without registering. The conference was put together by Arise and Impact Nigerian Youths Initiative, an organization working in the area of leadership, education, entrepreneur, youth advocacy and development, and good governance. The organization was born out of deep burning passion to see youths excel in all ramifications. The organization is determined in building, restructuring and developing the mindset of youths towards achieving success in leadership, education, and entrepreneur and community development.
Among the participants at the conference are youths from government agencies and parastatals, academics, youths from private sectors, civil societies, student union bodies, representatives from youth oriented groups and forum. The keynote address was delivered by Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, State of Osun, Hon Semiu Okanlawon. Other dignitaries at the conference include Honorable representing Iwo Federal Constituency, Hon Akintayo Gafar Amere, the Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alh Moshood Adeoti represented by Hon Tajudeen Adisa, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba (Dr) Abdulrsheed Adewale Akanbi was represented by Aremo of Iwoland, Prince Adelani Akanbi. Other personalities at the conference include High Chief Kunle Alabi, Alh. Sulaiman Bello, Barr Ige Bola Abimbola, Engr Ayoade Lawal, Hon Amos Akindiya, Hon Abdulahi Gbadebo, Engr Olayinka Ayinde,
Among the young Iwoland youths that lead others in various discussion are a Director at Kennedia Consulting, Mr Seun Akinrinoye, Country Director of Lead360, Femi Iromini, the CEO of Meera Stitches, Mrs Gbemisola Adisa-Lawal, the immediate past chairman of CDHR, Osun state branch, Com Akin Gofment, a former student leader, Mr Saheed Basiru Democrat among others.
The theme of the conference was BEYOND THE LIMIT, with the focus of YOUTH TAKING THE LEAD IN;
1. Academics
2. Entrepreneurship
3. Leadership
4. Community development.
The Iwoland Youth Conference is aimed at bringing together young minds from the three Local Government that made up Iwoland and beyond. The conference was used to create a platform where ideas, views are exchanged. Experience on different issues that ranges from education, entrepreneur, community development and nation building as it concerns the needs and aspirations of Nigerian youths was the major focus. The conference was an opportunity to allow young minds to voice out their ideas and concerns and make necessary observations and suggestions as it affects the youth in Iwoland and Nigeria at large.
In the course of the conference, over 10 key speakers (majority from Iwoland) were opportune to speak to the teeming Iwoland youth at the conference and there was panel discussion session as well.
During the conference;
1. It was noted that youth constituted more than 60% of Iwoland population. Youths are the working mechanism of any society and as well the driving force of any nation.
2. It was also acknowledged that if Iwoland wants to witness a rapid development, there is need for youth to be more proactive. Youths must strive to position themselves strategically as that is the only way to remain relevant in the society.
3. It was also stated emphatically that there are great and intimidating number of potentials among Iwoland Youth and the greatest challenges has been harnessing these potentials for the benefits of Iwoland. Expedient action must be taken to harmonize various thoughts and ideas of Iwoland youth for the utmost benefit of our communities
4. Noted that Iwoland youths need to be strategically involved in the emergence of political leadership of the country such that their welfare and opportunities available to them stand out as campaigns and issues during and after the electioneering. Youth must fight and struggle for programmes that would make them critical stakeholders in the affairs of their communities such that nothing moves without their involvements.
5. Noted that the importance of personal development of every Iwoland youths cannot be overemphasized. All youths in Iwoland are advised to build an intimidating career for themselves even before going into politics
6. Expressed the need to foster unity among the communities in Iwoland. It is only through peace and unity that a true development can be achieved.
7. Recognized the achievement of a good number of Iwoland Youths who has distinguished themselves in their private and public life.
8. It was also noted that it is increasingly necessary for youths to be actively involved in politics. The era of youths being used as a disturbance has gone. It is time to be proactive and participate actively in politics.
9. The issue of youths being used as political thugs was discussed. The increasing and disturbing rate of crimes, gangsterism and other social vices were frowned at. Youths are advised to stay away from acts that can lead to destruction of their lives. Government must consider various strategies towards engaging the youths actively in order to take them away from unwholesome activities.
10. Appreciated the presence of Hon Akintayo Amere, Alh Moshood Adeoti and other dignitaries in presence for having so much belief in youths and their passion for the development of Iwoland.
11. Expressed a profound gratitude to all the co-organizer of the conference for going extra miles in making the conference a reality.
12. Expressed gratitude to Arise and Impact Nigerian Youths Initiative under the leadership of Mutalub Yusuff Ola-Gold for putting the conference together.
Signed:
Yusuff Ola-Gold, Mutalub
For: Arise and Impact Nigerian Youths Initiative
Lara Alabi-Olutayo
For: Planning Committee, Iwoland Youth Conference 2017
