2027:Oriire Youth Council Meets Council Chairman, Secures Support For Voter Sensitization Campaign

2027:Oriire Youth Council Meets Executive Chairman, Secures Support for Voter Sensitization Campaign
In a crucial step toward ramping up civic engagement and grassroots mobilization, the Oriire Youth Council met with the Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government, Hon. Michael Alabi Olateju, on Friday, July 4, 2025, at PlayOn Hotel and Suites, Ogbomoso.
The meeting, which was held in a cordial and forward-thinking atmosphere, focused on the Council’s ongoing efforts to awaken voter consciousness ahead of INEC’s anticipated registration exercise and broader plans tied to the Council’s 10-Year Development Agenda (2024–2034).
The delegation was led by Hon. Sarafadeen Owonikoko Isiaq, Chairman of Oriire Youth Council (Ward 1, Ikoyi-Ile), alongside Vice Chairman I, Comrade Temitayo Ogundare (Ward 1 Iluju ), and Vice Chairman II, Comrade Folasade Akanji (Ward 10). Other members present included:
Comrade Joshua Ojo Aderemi (Ward 5) – Ex-officio I & Member, Oyo State Youth Parliament
Comrade Ajala Oluwaseun (Ward 1) – Assistant National Secretary
Comrade Aremu Gideon (Ward 9 Representative)
Comrade Akorede Phebian (Ward 8 Representative)
Comrade Ojo Oluwasegun (Ward 1) – PRO II
Comrade Aluko Tosin (Ward 3 secretary)
In his response, Hon. Michael Olateju commended the team for their coordinated, non-partisan, and results-driven advocacy for Oriire’s development.
“I am proud of your efforts. I assure you that I will support the upcoming PVC drive. Whatever is within my capacity to ensure its success, I will do,” he pledged.
He also described the youth as “partners in progress,” emphasizing that the future of Oriire lies in informed and active citizenship.
Speaking on the vision of the Council, Chairman Hon. Sarafadeen Owonikoko explained that the meeting was not just to seek support but to deepen collaboration between elected leadership and grassroots youth mobilization.
“Our agenda is simple—Oriire First. That means we’re placing the development of Oriire above party lines, ego, or personal ambition,” he said.
Vice Chairman I, Comrade Temitayo Ogundare, noted that beyond advocacy, the Council has been directly implementing programs like the annual Pre-JAMB Quiz Competition, scholarships, and stakeholders’ forums.
“This is not a protest group. We are solution-oriented. From education to power supply, we are involved because we believe youth should be part of the answer,” he stated.
Vice Chairman II, Comrade Folasade Akanji, emphasized the inclusion of women and young girls in political participation through the ongoing PVC Drive.
“We are taking the message of civic duty to the markets, schools, and households. Every eligible woman should own her vote and voice,” she asserted.
Comrade Joshua Ojo Aderemi, who also serves in the Oyo State Youth Parliament, reflected on the larger political implications of voter apathy.
“Until Oriire commands higher voter numbers, we will continue to be sidelined in political appointments and development allocation. Our figures must rise—and it starts with PVCs,” he said.
Assistant National Secretary, Comrade Ajala Oluwaseun, noted that beyond voter drive, the Council has been pushing to resolve long-standing issues like telecom blackouts in Oriire North LCDA.
Ward 9 Rep, Comrade Aremu Gideon, emphasized the Council’s role in the campaign to restore electricity to disconnected communities, which is a success.
PRO II, Comrade Ojo Oluwasegun, assured that the message will be taken to every village in Oriire.
“We will not just make noise—we will make impact. This is not a city-center campaign. We are going to the roots,” he said.
Ward 3 Secretary, Comrade Aluko Tosin, concluded by urging continued synergy with the Local Government Council for logistics, transportation, and the revival of the Vocational Training Centre at the Secretariat.
Following this meeting, the Council has secured July 30, 2025, for a joint session with the INEC Oriire office and National Orientation Agency (NOA) to finalize strategy ahead of INEC’s voter registration rollout.
They also confirmed scheduled meetings with Hon. Johnson Ogundele Akin and Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin and are awaiting feedback from Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, the Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor, and the State Secretariats of PDP and APC in Ibadan.
With each step, Oriire Youth Council is shaping a legacy of leadership that is participatory, grassroots, and transformational.
“We are not waiting for the future. We are building it—with PVCs, policies, and people power,” concluded Chairman Owonikoko.