The Oyo State Scout Council, on Friday, inducted the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Munta Abimbola, as the president of the council.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the investiture ceremony of the CJ was held at the conference room of the State High Court, Ring road Ibadan.
In his remarks, Justice Abimbola, described the induction as a further call to serve humanity, asserting that scouting “is an opportunity to serve humanity.
“And humanity starts from the youths, as we all know that youths are the leaders tomorrow and we shall be part of their mentoring and assist them to make sure that we have a better Nigeria.”
He appreciated the state scout council for finding him worthy for the investiture.
“Even when they say it is constitutional for me to be the president of the council in the state; there are a lot of constitutional provisions that might not necessarily take place.
“I appreciate it and by the grace of God I will not disappoint, I promise to carry out my obligations, responsibilities and all what I’m suppose to do; by the promise of scout I will uphold it.” he pledged.
The CJ recalled that Ibadan was the citadel of scouting for Western region when Nigeria started
“and the banners that have been placed by those before us would be proudly taken,we shall lift it aloft and contribute our best”.
Justice Abimbola further promised to meet Gov Seyi Makinde on behalf of the Oyo State Scout Council, so as to make his (Makinde) investiture as the patron of the association possible.
In his address, the Chief Commissioner of Scout Association of Nigeria, Mr Dave Awunah, explained that Scouting is a movement that aims to support young people in their physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual development.
Awunah who was represented by the Scout Deputy Chief Commissioner – Mr James Oyelami, said these attributes would make the youths to play constructive roles in society, in a strong focus on the outdoors and survival skills.
He added that Scouting is a grassroots educational youth movement that is truly botto-up in its structure and approach in engaging young people from all over the world.
He said the council was expecting the new president – Justice Abimbola, to assist in speeding up the investiture/ decorations process for Gov Makinde as the patron of the association.
“Our expectations also include; to assist to speak with the necessary ministries within Oyo state government, to please reinstate the subvention of the Oyo State Scout Council, so as to function effectively.” he pleaded.
In their seperate remarks Justice M A Abass of the Oyo State High Court and Mr Yinka Esan, the chairman, Ibadan branch of tbe Nigeria Bar Association, said Justice Abimbola, fitted for the investiture, being a man that is contributing immensely to the nation’s development.
The duo also appreciated the Scout Council for deeming it fit to choose Justice Abimbola as the president of the association in the state.
NAN further reports that Scouting is an internationally recognised complementary but non formal educational system/movement that helps in developing good citizenship, character, empathy, team spirit and entrepreneurship skills in young boys and girls.
Scouting is backed by the United Nations declaration, African Union charter and the National Acts of Parliament, with over 60 millions members across the world.(
