PVC Drive: Onpetu Commends Initiative as Oriire Youth Council Sensitizes Wards 7, 9
The #OriireFirst PVC Drive of the Oriire Youth Council pressed forward yesterday, Tuesday with a packed schedule across Wards 7 and 8, combining grassroots voter sensitization with high-level advocacy for inclusion and development.
The day began in Oolo community, headquarters of Ward 7, where the delegation was warmly received by Her Royal Highness, Madam Ajayi Oluwasikemi, Olori Oloolo of Oolo. She represented Oba Michael Oyebunmi Ajayi (JP), Oyegbami IV, who was unavoidably absent, and assured the team that she would fully brief the monarch on their mission.
From there, the team proceeded to Elega, where Chief Raji Amao Olawuyi, the village head, commended the youths for taking initiative and pledged to spread the
“gospel of the PVC Drive”
across his domain.
On leaving Elega, the team made a brief but impactful stop at Ita-Oran village, where they engaged with maize farmers directly on their farmlands. The farmers were reminded that, just like tending crops, building better governance begins with sowing the seed of participation through the Permanent Voter’s Card.
At Idi-Ede community, the delegation entered a local garri processing factory, where workers—mostly women—were sensitized on why obtaining their PVC is the key to holding leaders accountable and demanding better infrastructure for their daily livelihoods.
The activities climaxed with a scheduled visit to the ultramodern palace of Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, Lagbami Osekun III, the Onpetu of Ijeru Kingdom, in Ijeru land. Though not a monarch from Oriire, the Onpetu welcomed the delegation warmly, acknowledged Oriire’s challenges, and pledged to advocate for their development whenever possible.
During the discussion, the Council leaders highlighted their worries over the untold marginalization of Oriire Local Government Area in terms of meaningful development, political appointments, and zoning of elective positions. They appealed to the monarch to use his influence to press for fair recognition of Oriire’s rights at both the state and federal levels.
“Power is never served on a platter of gold; it must be worked for and merited. Challenge the status quo and hold your leaders accountable. Charity begins at home, and with God’s permission, a breakthrough is near for Oriire,” the Onpetu counseled.
Sarafadeen Owonikoko Isiaq, National Chairman of Oriire Youth Council, described the engagement as
“a royal charge that strengthens our determination to lobby for privileges and advocate a turnaround in Oriire’s development.”
Ajala Oluwaseun, Assistant National Secretary, reaffirmed the Council’s neutrality:
“We are not here to tell anyone who to vote for. Our mission is to ensure that every eligible voter in Oriire is equipped with the power of the PVC.”
Ojo Oluwasegun Emmanuel, PRO II, emphasized grassroots communication:
“Our task is to break down the message in simple terms so that every farmer, every market woman, every artisan understands that their PVC is not just a card—it is their voice and their strength.”
Speaking with the press, Joshua Ojo Aderemi, Ex-Officio 1 and Member representing Oriire Youths at the Oyo State Youth Parliament, summarized:
“Kabiyesi has opened our eyes to the need for resilience and patience—working steadily until we win the race. We will return to the drawing board to design a sustainable roadmap for Oriire’s progress. We won’t derail from our focus, nor betray the trust he has reposed in us.”
Other delegates included: Oluwafemi Aduragbemi (Ward 5 Rep), Akorede Phebian Jacob (Financial Secretary), Gideon Aremu (Ward 9 Rep.), and Areo Stephen (Ward 2 Secretary).
The Youth Council announced that the PVC Drive continues today at the Palace of the Alara of Fapote, Tewure Market, and other communities across Wards 2 and 3.