…as IEYDA celebrates Ilorin Emir’s 29th coronation anniversary with mega empowerment
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, has expressed his strong support for initiatives aimed at empowering youth and communities.
He made this announcement during his appearance as the Special Guest of Honour at the 4th Youth Summit organized by the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital on Monday.
The high-powered event gathered prominent sons and daughters of the Ilorin Emirate, where scholarships and empowerment opportunities were awarded to deserving beneficiaries in honor of the 29th coronation anniversary of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
Addressing a large crowd, Minister Olawande praised the efforts of the community youth group in uplifting marginalized individuals. He emphasized that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue to collaborate with the IEYDA to promote youth inclusiveness and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
Earlier in the day, the Minister engaged with another youth group under the banner of Kwara Political Young Stakeholders (K-PYS), reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring youth participation in critical national decision-making.
Speaking fluently in Yoruba, he noted that this was his first official outing since being promoted to the role of substantive Minister of Youth Development.
He said, “Although many have spoken in our official language, I hope you’ll excuse me for expressing myself in the language our people understand best. I am officially attending this notable event today as an Ilorite by naturalization to highlight that Kwara is rich in cultural heritage, including untapped youth potential that the IEYDA is celebrating today. I admire your resilience and your commitment to honoring our esteemed royal father (the Emir of Ilorin), who is also a father figure to young Nigerians.
“It is not by coincidence that I chose Kwara, particularly Ilorin, as my first point of contact after my promotion. From today onwards, I will be a vital supporter of the IEYDA.
“My brother, the Honourable Commissioner of Youth, who sits beside me, is also advocating for youth initiatives in his local government (Edu). I promise that no one will be left behind; the Ministry of Youth Development, under my leadership, will embrace all interests in youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.”
This gathering marked a significant milestone and the beginning of a new era for the newly elected leadership of the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association.
Renowned Professor of Jurispudence, Prof. AbdulRazaq Alaro charged the Ilorin Emirate youths to upskill their talents and tap into digital skills that would provide a platform for them to thrive in the global world.
The university don highlighted the global social media networks established by a group of young technician which has now become a source of generational wealth chain for their family and country at large.
He, therefore, urged the youths to shun any act that could endanger their future and the Nigeria image and reputation in the comity of nation.
Mallam Mohammed Abdullahi, the Chief of Staff to the Youth Development Minister, also spoke at the event. He addressed the audience eloquently in both Hausa and Yoruba, showcasing his respect for the cultural heritage of the Ilorin people.
In his speech, Mohammed highlighted the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, including the establishment of the Nigeria Youth Academy.
He explained that the academy aims to train young Nigerians in various fields to enhance their skills and enable them to compete on a global scale.
In his closing remarks, Sheikh Suleiman Farouk Onikijipa, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, praised the outgoing executives, led by Mallam Muhammed Babatunde, for their exemplary achievements while in office.
The revered cleric called on dignitaries at the event to provide financial support to the youth association’s commendable efforts to uplift the less privileged in the community.
Jagunma, formerly the public relations officer of the youth association, was officially sworn in as the new National President of the IEYDA, alongside other executives, marking a new chapter for youth engagement and community leadership in the Ilorin
