He’s a Good Ambassador: Ekiti Youths Honour, Ayomide George-Ojo, Laud His Development Strides

Iyin-Ekiti-born Hon. Ayomide George Ojo, Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Special Duty, has been honoured for his outstanding contributions to youth development and leadership in Ekiti State.

George-Ojo was among distinguished young people and youth advocates were recognised at the 2026 Youth Summit organised by the Ekiti State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria as part of activities marking the grand finale of the 2026 International Youth Day celebration.

The award ceremony, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre, Ado-Ekiti, recognised individuals who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to youth empowerment, leadership and the development of Ekiti State.

The NYCN chairman Ekiti State Chapter Mr Segun Bankole noted that the recognition of Hon. Ayomide George Ojo demonstrates his growing role in youth and public affairs in the state, as well as his contribution to initiatives aimed at promoting the interests and participation of young people in governance and community development.

George-Ojo, an indigene of Iyin-Ekiti, currently serves as the Special Assistant to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Special Duty. His recognition places him among a group of young Ekiti people being acknowledged for making positive contributions to the development of the state.

Speaking at the summit, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Gold Adedayo, urged young people across the state to remain responsible and uphold the good reputation of Ekiti, urging them to take a cue from the selfless services of the honorees. He assured them that his administration would continue to create opportunities for their participation in decision making, leadership and governance across various sectors.

According to him, his administration had continued to invest in young people through human capacity development, economic empowerment, skills acquisition and leadership training, stressing that youths remained critical to the future development of the state.

Governor Oyebanji also commended the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter, for organising the summit, noting that young people should not be viewed only as leaders of tomorrow but as important stakeholders in the development of the state today.

He highlighted government initiatives such as financial support for youth organisations, enterprise development, innovation platforms including the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, and investment in youth facilities, saying youth development had moved beyond promises to structured programmes backed by funding and measurable outcomes.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye, who was the guest speaker, urged young people to acquire relevant skills, value competence and use technology responsibly.

Speaking on the theme, “Different Context, Common Aspirations,” Aribasoye said that despite differences in background and circumstances, young people shared common aspirations for dignified employment, sustainable skills, peace and meaningful participation in decision making. He also congratulated the awardees noting that they have shown capacity and demonstrated they are really prepared for the future of the state.

The summit featured discussions on youth engagement, leadership and development, alongside the presentation of awards to outstanding young people and youth advocates.

Other award recipients included Mr Eyitayo Fabunmi and Mr Maxwell Olu Ajayi, Tiwa Omope, among others.