Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, has called on youths in Ogun State to rally behind the administration’s youth-focused programs, including the student loan scheme and the upcoming National Youth Conference.
Abiola made the appeal on Sunday during the Ramadan Lecture and Iftar program organized by the Rinsola Abiola Foundation in Abeokuta. The event, themed “Islamic Perspectives on Youth Development and Leadership,” brought together political leaders, youth advocates, and Islamic scholars to discuss the role of young Nigerians in nation-building.
In her address, Abiola emphasized that leadership goes beyond political titles and requires active service.
Leadership is not just about titles or political positions; it is about service. Every young person here today can influence their community positively,” she stated.
She assured attendees of President Tinubu’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance, urging them to take advantage of initiatives like the student loan program and the forthcoming youth conference, where she serves as a committee member.
“We must begin to see ourselves as problem-solvers and agents of change,” she added.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, the Mufti of Egba Land and Chief Imam of Gbagura Land. He outlined the principles of effective leadership from an Islamic perspective, emphasizing integrity, empathy, and proactive governance as essential traits for youth leaders.
Comrade Babatunde Aremu, Ogun State APC Youth Leader, echoed the call for youth mobilization, urging young people to unite behind President Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun’s developmental agenda. He also cautioned against the exploitation of youths for political gains without long-term empowerment.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including:
– Hon. Moturayo Adeleye, Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs
– Hon. Aminat Adigun, Ogun State APC Woman Leader
– Hon. Sabur Adefolu, Ogun State Assistant Youth Leader
– Hon. Taoreed Adelani, Ogun State APC Organizing Secretary
– Comrade Adeniyi Clement, Ogun Central Senatorial Youth Leader
Also present were local government party chairmen, community leaders, and youth groups, all pledging to support policies that advance youth development.
The program ended with a shared iftar meal, reinforcing the message of unity and collective progress among participants.
The Rinsola Abiola Foundation’s Ramadan Lecture served as a strategic platform for engaging youths and fostering dialogue on leadership, governance, and national development.
