Ijesa Youths Election: IJESHABLA Declaration

I am Olufemi, Micheal Oluwatoba a.k.a IJESHABLA of D92, Obanifon Street, Osu, Atakunmosa West LG, Osun State, Nigeria. I am currently working as an Electrical engineer at Kresta Laurel Limited, Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria. 

I am vying for the post of President of our noble forum, Ijesha Youth Forum (IYF) and I need your support. 

WHY PRESIDENT?

As a young man, I am passionate about people and demand for a world where we are empowered to lead a happy life inclusive and healthy life, free from any form of discrimination and violence; where our rights, our choices are respected and where we can realize our full potential to transform and develop our communities and create a sustainable change. 

Growing up on the streets of Ilesha and Osu, I have always wished for the progress and development of my dear land, thereby making me to always contribute my quota to this course. 

Having seen, carried out my research and analyzed the problem we are facing in Ijesaland as youths which I would like to put a stop by upholding the constitution of Ijesa Youth Forum; this triggered my decision to vie for the post of President of IYF. 

This position is one of the most important offices in the Ijesa Youth Forum, as the President is responsible for presiding over the activities of the forum while making sure the aims and objectives of the forum are achieved. 

It is therefore imperative for youths to elect someone who understands their interests and who is committed to safeguarding such interests. I am therefore seeking your support and votes even as I offer myself to serve you in the capacity of Ijesa Youth Forum President. 

WHAT DO I SEEK TO ACHIEVE IF ELECTED?

My plans are clear and concise, and will cut across primarily through what I call my 3 points agenda: 

1. Human capacity development (Poverty reduction, Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship & scholarship opportunities) 

2. Youth Intergration into Ijesaland Development and Political Involvement

3. Socio-cultural Development and Youth in Diaspora

My administration will build the capabilities and expand the choices of Ijesa youth by enhancing their access to and participation in all dimensions of the society.

• It will catalyze investments in youth so that they consistently have the proper resources, information and opportunities to realize their full potential.
• It will promote entrepreneurial skills amongst the youth.
• It will promote an expanding demand for labour that benefits the youth.
• It will bring about internship programs through partnership with local businesses for Ijesa youth.
• It will foster understanding between Ijesa indigenes and receiving countries to facilitate integration and protection of Ijesa indigenes living in the diaspora.
• It will make higher education accessible to all, including expanding distance learning programs. 

Through consultation and consolidation, my administration will help ensure that voices of Ijesa youth are heard in the parliament and government.

These and many more are what I have installed as plans to execute if elected as the president of our noble forum. 

WHY VOTE FOR ME?

I humbly believe that I have the requisite skills and ability to function effectively as President. 

As an individual passionate about the growth and development of my society, I have had the opportunity of serving in numerous capacities in different progressive associations and organizations which has built me up with loads of experiences needed to lead IYF to success. 

In 2015, I served as the president of our prestigious student body in Ijesaland (Federation of Ijesa Students’ Union) popularly known as FISU. My achievements as the president of FISU which are listed below bought me the name and reputation I have today. 

Some of my achievements as National President, FISU 2015/2016 regime

1.) Courtesy visits to chapters (OAU, FUTA, ACOED-Ondo, LAUTECH, OSCOTECH, OSPOLY, UNAD, FEDPOLY-ADO, FEDPOLY-OFFA, UI, OSCOED ILESA, OSCOED ILA, FEDPOLY EDE, OSCOHEALTH ILESA and so on) purposely in resuscitating the familiarity with the national body of the union.

2.) I initiated the relationship of the Union with International Breweries Plc. The relationship birthed so many benefits to the union which made the union to be the official student partner of the company. The benefits are but not limited to: 

a. Involvement in the inauguration of the KickStart Foundation of the company held in Ibadan l, Oyo state with 10 official invites for FISU members.

b. IBplc sponsored the 1st Inaugural lecture of the union in October 3rd, 2015 worth over five hundred thousand naira (#500,000:00k). Publicity/media, feeding, logistics inclusive.

c. FISU secured 2 slots for the kickstart skills sponsorship for her registered members.

d. IBplc gave their products for every FISU events.

e. IBplc sponsored the production of 2000 publicity stickers of the union.

3.) Incorporation of FISU NATIONAL HQ with some National/International Ijesa societies in diaspora which are:

a. Ijesa People in Lagos (Mrs. Foluke Makanjuola, Mrs. Bose Odole)

b. Ijesa Development Foundation (Chief Dideolu Falobi)

c. Ijesa Youth Development Association, U.K (Mr. Sunday Adewusi)

d. Ijesa people in diaspora, USA, Uk, Ireland (Chief Bobaseye Akinyemi, Mr. Wale Idowu)

I was deeply involved and rooted in these aforementioned groups as the Ijesa Students/Youths representative.

I was the administrative secretary of the committee that started Ijesa day in Lagos for 5 consecutive years (gathering of ijesa people outside Ijesaland) which was chaired by Chief (Mrs) Toyin Kolade.

These relationships were transferred to my immediate successor (Com. Ayo Fapohunda). And it’s also evident some of the relationships still lives till date.

4.) My tenure (through the office of the sport director) organized a novelty match between Ijesa and Ile-Ife students on October 1st, 2015 at Osu community Grammer School, Osu. The match was supported and observed by Leaders and stakeholders. 

5.) On March 26, 2016, a summit was held on the infrastructural and social development of Ijesaland. The Lecture was delivered by Engr.( Chief) Dideolu Falobi , FNSE, MiOD. Dignitaries who graced the occasion were, Oba Micheal Arowotawaya, The Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa as the royal father of the day, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, Hon. L. B. AYENI, representative of Hon. Isaac Adewole (former Minister of Health) and so on. The summit witnessed representatives of different institutions and communities.

6.) 1000 copies of exercise books were produced and distributed .

7.) Through the union, Industrial training and internship openings were secured for some financial members.

I believe that these experiences will help me in functioning effectively and efficiently as President of Ijesha Youth Forum, IYF

Gen. Omar Bradley once said: The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness.

Harvey Firestone also said; “The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership”. 

I am determined to ensure your growth and development as youth of Ijesha by ensuring that issues relating to your interests and welfare are dealt with effectively and efficiently. 

Please vote me, Olufemi Micheal Oluwatoba a.k.a IJESHABLA as President, Ijesa Youth Forum (IYF).

As always, please accept the assurances of my highest regards and consideration. 

Looking forward to serving you. 

Best regards, 

Olufemi, Micheal Oluwatoba (IJESHABLA). 

Signed: IJESHABLA campaign movement