Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Interfaith Matters, Rev’d Femi Ibikunle, has congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Oyo State Chapter, Eniola Oluwatimilehin, describing his victory as a step toward the rebirth and repositioning of the youth body in the state.
Eniola, who is also a member of the Royal Rangers Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, emerged victorious at the polls with 127 votes, defeating his closest rival, Israel Odeajo, who polled 76 votes.
The state congress of the youth body held today at the Western Hall of the Oyo state House of Assembly Parliament Complex, state secretariat, Ibadan.
Eniola’s election has been widely received as a vote of confidence in his leadership by members of the youth community who participated in the election exercise.
In his congratulatory message, Rev’d Ibikunle expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as his mentorship and fatherly guidance, which he said had been instrumental to his own political growth as well as the emergence of many young leaders across Oyo State.
“Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership has birthed a generation of young leaders who have grown in confidence and capacity to take up political responsibilities at any level of government.
“This is evident in the successes recorded in different sectors, including youth leadership,” Ibikunle said.
He further commended Otunba Seye Famojuro, a close ally of the governor, for his support and continuous provision of opportunities for growth, which he said had shaped his contributions both personally and in official capacity.
The governor’s aide also acknowledged the efforts of the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Falana Adebowale, praising his pragmatism and foresight in creating platforms for youths in the state to thrive and contribute meaningfully to governance and development.
According to Ibikunle, Oyo State under Governor Makinde has become a model in leadership grooming, especially for young and promising politicians, stressing that this development underpin the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
He assured that his office would continue to collaborate with youth stakeholders, community leaders, and relevant organizations to deepen synergy and sustain the momentum of youth development in the state.
“With the reelection of Eniola Oluwatimilehin, I am optimistic that the NYCN Oyo State Chapter is on the verge of a new beginning that will consolidate gains, foster unity, and ensure the voice of youths continues to resonate in shaping the future of our dear state,” Rev’d Ibikunle added.