The young Nigerians are undoubtedly the backbone of this great nation. With their energy, intellect, and the privilege of growing up in the digital age, they possess a unique ability to adapt and thrive in a complex environment. Their strength lies not only in their capacity for critical thinking and innovation but also in their ability to rally together and provide solutions to the multifaceted challenges our society faces through various creative crafts. There is no doubt that they are the future leaders of this nation. It is imperative that we empower them and provide the necessary support for their endeavors.
Beyond all we’ve learned about the youth, I firmly believe there is immense power in youthful energy and the very concept of youthfulness. Nigeria is blessed with an enormous, industrious young population, one that is bursting daily with potential and promise. I have great faith in the spirit of this population, and I am convinced they hold the key to unlocking a bright future for our nation. The sheer size and diversity of our young population present vast opportunities for growth, innovation, and progress.
I mentioned last week the need for more genuine and honest conversations this year, particularly among the young men and women of Oyo State—my immediate constituency. I firmly believe there is tremendous potential for growth and development among us. The conversations we need to foster are those that encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. We must create spaces for open dialogue, where ideas and perspectives are shared and respected. I am always ready to engage in such conversations without hesitation—please, bring it on.
I have no doubt that the wisdom and guidance of our elders and statesmen are invaluable in this journey. We desperately need their experience and insight to help us navigate the complexities of governance and development and to ensure we stay on course toward achieving our goals. For some time now, I have informally sat at the feet of these statesmen, receiving counsel and wisdom on the affairs of our state. I find their wealth of knowledge deeply inspiring. There is so much they know that cannot be overlooked, and all of it has been invaluable in shaping my perspective and guiding my decisions.
The elders I have spoken with share a unified belief in the untapped potential within us. They trust that the young people can steer the ship, navigating the waters without sinking the boat. In every interaction, they have consistently assured me that they will be there for ideal counsel, guiding us along the way. I look forward to more conversations with them, both formally and informally, at various intervals and forums, to keep us all aligned and motivated to be the strongest pillars for our state. Their guidance and support are essential as we strive for growth and long-term prosperity.
Personally, many of my most significant achievements occurred during my younger years. Before the age of 40, I had become a lawyer and a chartered accountant. I had the opportunity to work with international firms and organizations, contributing my skills, energy, and expertise to drive critical reforms and achieve impactful results on a larger scale. These experiences have deepened my conviction that young people have vital roles to play in shaping the future of Oyo State.
However, I have previously noted that being young is not just about age; it’s also about attitude and mindset. If we are to build something prosperous and sustainable, we must be forward-thinking, strategic, and proactive. We have no time for trivial matters. We must be willing to get serious, take calculated risks, challenge assumptions, and push boundaries. Oyo State needs the energy, creativity, and innovative spirit of its young people to activate a promising future.
In conclusion, it is important to remember that Oyo State has a rich history of producing exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions to our nation’s growth and development. As the political headquarters of Southwestern Nigeria and a force to be reckoned with nationally, we have a legacy of excellence to uphold. Our ongoing conversations must focus on how we can build on this legacy and harness the potential of our young people to create a prosperous future for ourselves and future generations. We will examine the frameworks that have been adopted, and more will be unveiled from our side. Nothing surprises us, because, despite the varying political ideologies we may have, we are united in the goal of making Oyo State better.
On a final note, it is important to recognize that the power to not only dream but also execute is the greatest power of youth. It is the ability to act decisively and to make choices that shape the course of history. The future is in our hands.
Please have a great weekend.
~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, January 10, 2025
