The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to positioning youth as future leaders in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision.
He made this disclosure on Saturday during the Irepo Local Government congress, which featured a large turnout of party stakeholders and members at Irepo Local Government Secretariat.
Barr. Lawal, who was accompanied by his wife, Chief Mrs Ajibike Lawal, emphasized the current administration’s commitment to youth inclusiveness and creating opportunities for young people in governance. He noted that the newly elected executives are predominantly youth from the local government to ward level.
He advised the youth to see their positions as a call to service and to live up to the expectations of party members who elected them.
The Acting Governor, who equally called on leaders to support the new executives with constructive advice, however urged any leaders with grievances to follow proper channels to express their concerns.
He emphasized that PDP in Irepo Local Government is one big family and that members and leaders must work together to move the party forward.
According to Barr. Lawal, Governor Seyi Makinde’s achievements in Oyo State, particularly in Oke-Ogun and Kishi are numerous, including the unprecedented appointment of a son of Kishi as Deputy Governor and Acting Governor.
The Acting Governor congratulated the newly elected executives, led by Hon. Kazim Olawoyin Olumoyin, and advised them to be dutiful and work collaboratively with everyone to maintain unity, rather than creating divisions.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Irepo Local Government, Hon. Tunde Taoheed Olayiwola, noted that the congress was conducted peacefully in accordance with INEC guidelines.
He praised the consensus arrangement, attributing it to the maturity and resilience of PDP in the local government.
Olayiwola stated that the unity effort would further solidify the party’s dominance in Irepo and beyond.
The newly elected Chairman, who previously served as Vice Chairman of Irepo Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for the trust placed in him.
He pledged to promote inclusiveness, discipline, and grassroots mobilization to strengthen the party ahead of future elections. He also vowed to serve the party selflessly, foster peace, and build on past achievements.
The chairman stated, “I deeply appreciate this gesture of trust and unity. My commitment is to serve the party selflessly, foster peace, and build on the achievements of past leaders to ensure that PDP remains a formidable force in Irepo”
Other exco members were Alhaji Salaudeen Ilyas Alatise – Vice Chairman, Ajayi Timothy Joba – Secretary, Salami Taofeeq – Assistant Secretary, Abdul-Raheem Tajudeen – Youth Leader, Alhaja Sariyu Yusau – Women Leader, Ismail Simbi – Treasurer, Adeleke Ezekiel – Public Relations Officer (PRO), Muftau Fatai – Assistant PRO, Yekini Ifagbemi – Organizing Secretary, Ayandeji Mojeed – Auditor, Alhaja Sherifat Jimoh – Financial Secretary and Barr. Balogun Dayo – Legal Adviser
Ex-Officio Members included Hassan Ismail Odejide, Silaiman Atipa, Alhaji Jimoh Kabiru, Mustapha Isa, and Salau Hamidu.
Notable leaders in attendance were former LG Chairman, Alhaji Tijani omupo, Alhaji Oye Official, Ambassador Abdul-razaq Adeleke, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Adeshina; Yeye Adenike Aderibigbe, councilors led by Hon. Sharafadeen Ayinde Sassay, Supervisory councillors, state political appointees, and host of others.
The congress was witnessed by security agencies including INEC officials, OYSIEC, among others.
