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The Akoko Youths Forum (AYF) in Ondo State has inaugurated a new set of executives. They will oversee the affairs of the four local governments of Akoko youths for the next three years.
The president of the group, Ibukunoluwa James Akeju, dispelled the assertion that the group participates in politics. He asserted that they are a formidable group that will not impose a candidate on the people. He stressed that the upcoming bye-election in Akoko North-West/North-East Federal constituency would not be negatively influenced.
“We are a pressure group, not a partisan one. I would like to inform all the youths that we do not have the kind of tenure that would impose anybody on you. However, our candidates must understand the challenges we face and have a track record of working in the interest of the masses. The coming bye-election will not be negatively influenced. Our only influence will be to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to cast their vote and contest for the position. All the candidates right now are capable, being bonafide sons and daughters of Akoko North Federal constituency.”
Speaking about the plans of the newly inaugurated executives, Akeju stated that all resources gathered would be used judiciously.
“We are well aware of the challenges facing our country, particularly youth empowerment and employment. It is time to utilise the resources we have gathered for the benefit of the masses, especially the youth. We are working on programmes to equip our graduates and make them more employable. We will provide a soft landing and create opportunities for them.”
Akeju highlighted the group’s contributions to the development of the Akoko area, including efforts to address power outages in the past and their collaboration with security personnel to ensure a secure environment.
The Minister of Interior in Nigeria, Bunmi Tunji Ojo, represented by Ayodele Samson Akande, pledged support for the forum in terms of entrepreneurship intervention.
“There will be total support for this forum in terms of empowerment and entrepreneurship. I will intervene in social development and community outreach. Any request to promote this forum will not be ignored.”
Jide Ayiegbusi, representing Ade Adeogun, a former member of the House of Representatives in Akoko South, urged the group to serve as a watchdog for political figures in Akoko.
“AYF must strategically serve as a watchdog to discourage political figures from pursuing self-interest. This means that AYF must resist compromise and settle for nothing less than the highest value, as you are all individuals of value and integrity.”
The new leadership emerged at a time of increasing partisan politics in Ondo State. It is expected that they remain as apolitical as possible or act in the collective interest of Akoko. Ade-Adeogun emphasised the importance of the AYF in bringing about the changes Akoko is anticipating.
“In everything AYF does, they must protect the interests of Akoko. After Ekiti, Akoko is the second-largest home of professors in Nigeria, and our knowledge has contributed to the development of the state. We must use our human resources wisely to claim our rightful place among our peers. This forum, in my opinion, is the major catalyst for the changes we are expecting in Akoko land. We must raise our voice in Ondo State to ensure that our people are not shortchanged by their peers,” he added.