From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanj has been commended for his selfless service to humanity, particularly his mediating and mentoring roles in Africa.
A former Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Job Creation and Youth Empowerment, Mr Abiola Odetola, who gave this commendation at the sidelines of a three-day Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat, held at the Youth Development Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Odetola specifically commended the unparalleled commitment of Obasanjo to support leadership capacity development for the youths in Africa, saying that it was indeed a worthwhile investment that will definitely help Africa to achieve greatness.
Odetola disclosed that this selfless act of the former President of providing mentoring and serving as big shoulder for the youths to lean on is priceless as it is helping the young ones to get more aware of their environment and see what they could also do to effect positive change
“The challenges we face as African youths are vast, but so are the opportunities. It is in this very context that Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has created this programme. He has provided a beacon of hope, a platform for young people to be prepared for the future, and an avenue for the seamless flow of knowledge and experience from one generation to the next”, he pointed out.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, Odetola charged the youths to be more concerned and deliberate in helping to promote a very sustainable environment.
The former Special Assistant said: “We stand here today, not merely as individuals, but as a united force of dreamers, thinkers, and doers. Each one of us carries the power to make a difference in our societies and contribute to the green economy in unique and impactful ways.
“As we embark on this journey of knowledge, experience, and insight, let us embrace the privilege and responsibility that comes with it. Let us promise ourselves and our great continent that we will carry forward the wisdom we gain here, the friendships we forge, and the determination to contribute to a greener, more prosperous Africa”.
Odetola, however, lauded Governor Abiodun of Ogun State for his significant contributions to the Green Economy with the recent launch of CNG mass transit buses.
He further commended the governor for embracing sustainability through the recently launched Mass Transit Scheme, which will not only enhance public transportation but also align with environmental conservation efforts.
Odetola acknowledged the governor’s commitment to fostering green skills among the youth, as about 500 of them were recently trained in a programme organized by the state government.
Among dignitaries at the annual event were the former Prime Minister of Mali, Oumar Tatam, the CEO of Providus Bank, Mr Walter Akpani, Prof. Peter Okebukola, and the Chairperson of the Youth Development Centre, Dr. Bisi Kolapo.