Member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, has urged student leaders to embrace leadership as a journey of service, accountability and impact, rather than a destination.
The federal lawmaker made this statement on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-Ora, while delivering a keynote speech at the ceremony marking the first 100 days in office of the Student Union Government of the institution.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by the institution’s Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, other principal officers of the institution, security agencies, student leaders and invited guests, Hon. Adepoju congratulated the Student Union President and the executive council for successfully crossing what he described as a demanding but revealing phase of leadership.
The lawmaker said the first 100 days of any administration were often enough to expose its vision, character and direction, noting that leadership was not about occupying an office but about service, responsibility and courage to act in the interest of others.
He commended the student leaders for their willingness to be accountable and transparent by taking stock of their stewardship.
The Ibarapa-born lawmaker cum technocrat also highlighted the critical role of Student Union Governments in shaping campus life, describing them as bridges between students and management, voices of the student body and training grounds for future leaders. He stressed that decisions taken at that level, though sometimes seen as minor, help to build habits that extend beyond the walls of the institution.
While urging the student leaders to see the 100 days as a checkpoint rather than a celebration of arrival, the federal lawmaker called for deeper engagement, innovation, humility and openness to constructive criticism in the next phase of their tenure. He also encouraged the student community to support their leaders while holding them accountable, stressing that democracy thrives on participation and meaningful dialogue, not applause alone.
Reflecting on what the people are likely going to begin to read, see or hear ahead of the 2027 elections, Ibarapakan cautioned students against empty promises, stating that leadership should be judged by impact rather than rhetoric.
“He noted that his own approach to public office was built on staying close to the people and delivering tangible development, citing the almost completed world-class Basketball and Lawn Tennis Courts on the campus as part of his contributions to the community.
“In closing, let me remind us that this is a pre-election year where politicians gather to tell you what you want to hear and probably what they may or not do if elected. Let us be properly guided, it is not all that glitters that is gold.
“Before I got to my current position as a member of the House of Representatives, I ensured I promised nothing, the only thing I said was I will not be distant from my people not because I could not promise heaven on earth but because I understood that promises are bonds that must be kept and only God makes promises that never fails.
“Two years after I have listened, learned and impacted not only the people that voted for me but the entire community I serve. One of such is the almost completed world class Basketball and Lawn Tennis Courts on this campus.
“It is my way of enhancing development and saying thank you for all you do. To the leaders here especially the student union leaders, leadership is a journey, not a destination. The next 100 days and indeed the rest of this tenure offer an opportunity to leave a legacy of impact, integrity and inspiration,” he remarked.
