The Ilupeju Youth Development Association (IYDA) has inaugurated a new executive council led by Comrade Law Ibitoye as National President, with a commitment to youth empowerment, community development, educational advancement and the promotion of unity in Ilupeju-Ekiti. The inauguration ceremony, attended by Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, HRM, Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade I, community leaders and prominent indigenes, held in Ilupeju-Ekiti on Sunday.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Ibitoye described his emergence as a collective victory for the youths of the community and pledged to lead with transparency, accountability and inclusiveness. He outlined key priorities of his administration to include the establishment of a Youth Vocational Development Centre, revival of the Students’ Union body, promotion of youth welfare and strengthening collaboration with community stakeholders for the development of Ilupeju-Ekiti.
The new president also called on influential sons and daughters of the town to assist unemployed youths with job opportunities and mentorship. He stressed the need for Ilupeju-Ekiti to strategically position its indigenes for greater representation in government, expressing optimism that the community would soon produce occupants of senatorial, House of Representatives and ministerial positions to accelerate development in the town.
Earlier, the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade I, charged the newly inaugurated executive to prioritise unity, teamwork and community development. The monarch reminded the youth leaders that the future of Ilupeju-Ekiti rests largely on their shoulders and urged all sons and daughters of the community to support the executive in achieving its vision. He also offered royal blessings for a successful tenure.
Also speaking, Retired Permanent Secretary who is also the President of Plateau Social Club of Ilupeju-Ekiti , Mr Sola Ogunmiluyi and Chairman of Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), Ado Branch retired SUBEB Director, Mr Dele Owolabi, advised the new executive to respect the traditional institution and the leadership of the IDA by seeking necessary approvals before embarking on projects and programmes.
They warned against any action capable of undermining the unity of the community. The duo further encouraged youths and students of Ilupeju-Ekiti to remain focused on their education and take advantage of partnerships and developmental opportunities that would prepare them for future leadership responsibilities. They described the positions entrusted to the new executive as a platform for testing their capacity for greater responsibilities and congratulated the team, particularly Comrade Ibitoye, who is also a member of the Plateau Social Club.
The immediate past President of IYDA, Engr. Christopher Femi Fagbemi, congratulated the new executive and highlighted achievements recorded during his eight-year tenure. According to him, the association facilitated employment opportunities for 116 youths, organised empowerment programmes, supported students educationally, established an ICT centre through partnership with ECKPRA, built shops and encouraged youth participation in modern farming initiatives.
Engr. Fagbemi thanked sons and daughters of Ilupeju-Ekiti for their support throughout his tenure and pledged his continued backing for the new leadership.
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Mrs Adeojo Mary, Vice President; Mr Ogunleye Dada Oluwagbemi, General Secretary; Mr Asoge Olawafemi Jeremiah, Director of Treasury; Mr Bamidele Vincent Fisayomi, Financial Secretary; Mr Bamisaye Temitope, Director of Education; Prince Ojo Oluwole Ezekiel, Director of Media and Publicity; Mr Adeleye Sunday Ola, Director of Sports; Mrs Ayeni Oyeyemi, Director of Women Affairs; and Mr Ajayi Sunday Ade, Assistant General Secretary.
Dignitaries at the inauguration included the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade I; High Chief Amos Ogunbiyi, the Oloja Odo-Egosi; Mr. Sola Ogunmiluyi, President of Plateau Social Club of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Chairman of IDA, Ado Branch; Mr. Dele Owolabi, Mr. Tope Babalola, Director of Press, Ekiti State Service; Engr. Christopher Femi Fagbemi, immediate past President of IYDA; Engr. Omotayo Kayode (HOD ) Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, Mr Ibigbami David , Alhaji Rasaq Olayemi Amusa, PRO Communications and former National Public Relations Officer of IDA; alongside former executives of the association, quarter coordinators, and other prominent sons and daughters of Ilupeju-Ekiti.