The Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, has reaffirmed his commitment to creating opportunities for young people.
He made this pledge when he hosted the leadership of the Kwara South Youth Development Organization (KWAYORG) on Tuesday.
Speaking during the gathering, Prince Abolarin Alaba Dansharafa, the President of KWAYORG who led the delegation, stated that the visit was to physically express gratitude to the NICO boss and commend his efforts in strategically and convincingly repositioning NICO for global recognition.
Dansharafa commended Otunba Ajiboye as a great ambassador for Kwara South and the state at large, citing his numerous achievements in the cultural parastatal and his dedication to youth development.
“We are impressed with what you are doing in your agency. Your achievements have given us no option but to associate with you,” he said.
As the apex body for all Kwara South youths and indigenous organizations in the senatorial district, Dansharafa added that it is their responsibility to ensure the success of Kwara South representatives who are public officers and who have demonstrated capacity in their respective offices.
He also admonished the cultural icon not to be deterred by negative comments, stating that the youth need people like him now more than ever in the zone.
In his remarks, Comrade Ibiwoye Olaniyi Moses Aniyikaye, who is also the President of the Irepodun Youths Council, acknowledged Otunba Biodun Ajiboye’s positive impact, particularly regarding youth engagement, which he noted that has earned the NICO boss more respect and acceptability among young people.
“We sincerely appreciate your efforts in creating opportunities for our people. We are confident in you and certain that you will keep doing more,” Aniyikaye said.
He added that youths in Irepodun and its environs would continue to work closely with the NICO boss to promote greater inclusiveness.
Responding, Otunba Ajiboye thanked the group for their uncommon support, especially when it mattered most.
He commended KWAYORG for distinguishing itself by showing that young people can make their voices heard without resorting to slandering or blackmailing for attention.
“I must be sincere, I appreciate you all that you stood up and made your voice audible when it mattered most. It is worrisome when young people resort to cheap blackmail just to get their way. We can achieve many things together by working collaboratively for a collective success that will give a direct benefit to our people without having to soil each other’s names”, he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Ajiboye noted that his achievements were a result of continuous hard work and consistency. “I have seen life; I have witnessed life from a point where I had to cross a lot of obstacles to reach where I was going. And I had no option but to do what was expected of me diligently to achieve my goals because turning back then wasn’t an option”.
He expressed hope that young people of today would possess a similar zeal and dedication to succeed without resorting to tarnishing others’ images.
Ajiboye therefore charged the group to keep prioritizing their goals without compromise and to key into promoting President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which he said has birthed unprecedented opportunities for Nigerians, with an impressive percentage for the youth.
He also hinted on a Kwara South Political Summit, which he said would be aimed at harmonising and bringing Kwara Southerners together politically, noting that through the summit, the region can make bold statements and put its interests across to the generality of the political landscape in the state.
Other members of the delegation included Saeed Tijjani, the pioneer Director of New Media for KWAYORG; Aishat Musa, a member; and Temitope Abifarin Sanusi, KWAYORG member and Treasurer of the Irepodun Youths Council.
