Ijesa Youth Forum President's Inaugural speech

Inaugural Speech by The Newly Elected National President of Ijesa Youth Forum,

OLUFEMI MICHEAL OLUWATOBA at the KINGS EVENTS CENTER on SATURDAY 1ST

OCTOBER, 2022 At 10:00AM

All protocols duly observed,

I want to take this opportunity to thank the almighty God who in his power has made it possible for all of us to witness this important inauguration ceremony, he who has protected us from all inequities and made IYF grow so that everyone shall prosper in it.

I would like to recognize our distinguished guests who honor us by their presence today: The Grand Patron, Patrons, Council of Obas, Members; Osun State House of Assembly, special honored guests, honored guests, IYF board of trustees and stakeholders, family and friends.

I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude to each of you here today. I can only think to say “thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.” It is amazing being able to stand before all of you and share this special moment in the history of IYF and Ijesaland. I am beyond humbled and honored to be part of this amazing community. All of you here are sharing the most special gift you can possibly give. That is the gift of your time, your presence, and your support.

I approach today’s installation as president of Ijesa Youth Forum with a sense of both honor and humility. I want to recognize and thank the members of the IYF National Electoral Commission for

having worked tirelessly throughout the election period to ensure that the election was plausible, free and fair. Foremost, I would like to commend the effort and good works of our predecessors toward the progress and development of this forum. 

There is no doubt that the reason why we

are all here today is because of their great ideas, thoughts and dedication of many years. And in fact, you will all agree with me that their resourcefulness has impacted and contributed immensely to the growth of IYF as we have it today.

The importance of the youths cannot be overemphasized in any society. Demographically, the youth represent the highest percentage of the population and as such, any legal form of union from them should always be allowed, for they should be major decision makers in our

communities. Every young person has a gift, a skill, a talent, they can offer to the society. 

The new administration of the Forum will always project and resuscitate this pride. As our motto says, we are the “Unity, dynamism and progress” and once more, we will exemplify this quality.

Now is the time that we can say that we are proud to be young people, because we have a voice.

We have the ability to make the changes that we want to see.

Ijesa Youth Forum was founded on the values of leadership, integrity, innovation and teamwork.

These are values I believe we all share, we are collectively responsible for our community development, and leadership is just an opportunity to serve and not a trumpet call to self importance. I understand that every member of the newly elected Executive council has made enormous campaign promises during the electioneering process. We are honorable fellows and as such, all feasible plans will be harmonized and fulfilled. Activities will commence on our projects as soon as possible and we need youths to be readily available in order to ensure the success of these plans.

We also seek the support of all mother bodies and unions in Ijesaland, Osun and Nigeria for a smooth administration. There is a need to work together in order to achieve a successful IYF. We will also like to ensure the youths get adequate representation of their interests. 

Our offices are going to be open to everyone and we urge you all to always feel free to walk up to us.

For a better Ijesa, Osun and Nigeria at large, we implore the government and concerned authorities to put more efforts in the development and increment of the falling standard of education in Nigeria. The unemployment rate in the country is on the increase. 

To reassert the statement “Ijesa no dey carry last”, we must set the pace in decreasing this high unemployment

rate at least for our youths. This administration will be focused on acquisition of skills that would adequately equip our youths for the struggles of the labor market. To achieve this, we call on all well meaning individuals and stakeholders of this great land to offer their assistance in this regard. I won’t fail to recognize the giant step taken by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju ‘Yinka

Fasuyi by setting up an Empowerment Fund for Ijesa youths throughout Ijesaland.

Once again, I wish to reaffirm my unique and emotional commitment to the youth of Ijesaland.

Commitment is what I will give to every component of the Ijesa community, especially to all of you, my fellow youth. It is your ideas and concerns that can help in moving this Forum forward. I want to be the one that continues to ensure that all of the ideas and opinions of youths are heard.

I won't go around making empty promises; instead, I'm assuring you all that I will face all the issues I believe need to be addressed.

I am committed to continue the work we have started with the youth, and through this Forum we seek your assistance in shaping our support to the youth of Ijesaland. Over the next few months,

we will continue engaging with our youth partners, building their capacities, making their voices heard through meaningful exchanges and increasing interventions in key areas such as Environment, Education, Social Cultural development, and Skills Development.

Fellow youths, with all your support it is true that IYF can change for the better and our forum can be perfected. What we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow as one family. I know the walk ahead will be tedious, the tunnel to success will be long and dark but I promise you that together we shall see the light at the end. 

My administration wouldn’t achieve everything in one day or one year or even during the entire tenure but we just have to start from somewhere. So I encourage all youth here to be an active participant and engage fully in the activities of IYF.

I pledge that I will do all that I can to take the Forum to a better place and redeem the faith and trust the youths have placed in me.

Long Live IYF!

Long Live Ijesaland!

Long Live Osun State!

Long live the federal republic of Nigeria!

God Bless You All and Thank You.