By Admin
Are-Ekiti witnessed a colourful and historic moment over the weekend as the entire youth population of the town rose in unison to endorse Mr. Folorunsho Olumide as their new youth leader.
In what many described as a resounding vote of confidence, the youth explained that the decision reflected the collective admiration for Mr. Folorunsho’s tireless commitment to the development of the community, particularly in education, social cohesion, and grassroots economic investment.
According to them, long before this unanimous declaration, had Mr. Folorunsho popularly known as PASSWELL, carved a niche for himself among the youths and elders alike with his advocacy for better education in within the town, which gained traction after he initiated coaching classes targeted at improving students’ performance in key academic examinations.
They explained through his personal sacrifices and collaborations with education stakeholders, he had created safe spaces for learning and mentorship that many young people in the town have benefitted from.
One of the youths Mr Tunde Babatola who spoke with BEYONDNEWSNG explained that the new youth leader had made significant contributions to the town’s social and economic vibrancy.
Babatola noted that Mr Folorunsho had championed youth-inclusive initiatives, created empowerment platforms for aspiring entrepreneurs, and continually encouraged youth engagement in productive ventures. These efforts he said endeared Folorunsho Olumide to both the youth and traditional institutions, culminating in the collective endorsement of his leadership.
The installation of Mr. Folorunsho marked with a carnival-like celebration by jubilant crowd who thronged the streets in a colourful procession with various songs danced through the major quarters of Are-Ekiti in a show of unity and jubilation.
The celebration peaked at the palace of the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, where the new youth leader was formally presented. The monarch, in his royal address, congratulated the new youth leader and charged him to be a unifying force among the youths and across all quarters of the town. He emphasised the critical importance of harmony, collaboration, and a forward-looking vision that places Are-Ekiti’s interest above all.
In a tone that mixed fatherly counsel with urgent concern, Oba Adebiyi condemned the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths in the town. He warned against the dangers of illicit drug consumption and its potential to derail the future of promising young people. The monarch called on the new youth leadership to prioritise sensitisation campaigns, rehabilitative support, and preventive measures to address the scourge.
Members of the Alare-in-Council, comprising chiefs from various quarters, also spoke with one voice in urging Mr. Folorunsho Olumide to take his new assignment seriously. They advised him to adopt a posture of neutrality, devoid of political entanglements, and to be deliberate in building bridges across all divides within the community. They stressed that leadership required sacrifice, patience, and wisdom.
In his acceptance remarks delivered at the palace, Folorunsho Olumide expressed deep gratitude to the youths for the honour, promising to run an inclusive leadership, the one that would be accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all.
He called on all stakeholders, elders, women groups, religious leaders, and traditional institutions, to lend their support to his leadership.
According to him, the task of moving Are-Ekiti forward cannot be achieved in isolation. “My doors are open to ideas, partnerships, and innovations that will uplift our youths,” he added, pointing to the need for collective ownership of the development agenda.
The new youth leader also made a firm commitment to continue prioritising education, skills acquisition, and productive engagement of young people, noting that idle minds become vulnerable to social vices, and therefore he would expand platforms for creative expression, vocational learning, and entrepreneurship.
Residents of Are-Ekiti who witnessed the event commended the peaceful and transparent nature of the youth endorsement. Some elderly citizens who described it as a testament to the rising political consciousness and organisational strength of the youth in the town, stressed that such harmony is rare in community politics and should be nurtured for long-term growth.
With his reputation as a bridge-builder and youth advocate, expectations are high that Mr. Olumide Folorunsho tenure would usher in a new era of progressive youth engagement. His ascension, according to many, is not just a personal victory, but a victory for the ideals of commitment, accountability, and purposeful leadership.