Ayede Poly Rector, Ogbomoso South LG Chairman mentor youths on community service, leadership
pannigeriannews
3 min read
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, and the Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Hon. Oyeniyi Timothy Oyedokun, have mentored youths under the CLAY Fellowship Programme, an initiative of Cedars for Human Welfare Initiative (CEHUWEI).
The week-long programme, which held at the Talking Drums Apartment, Ikoyi Road, Ogbomoso themed “Empowering Citizens, Building Communities” brought together a diverse group of young participants across the South-West Geo-Political Zone.
According to the organisers, the programme was meant to promote active citizenship, leadership development and community transformation among young Nigerians.
Representing the Rector at the session, Mr. Oluwaseun Owojori, the acting Director of the institution’s Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED), charged the youths to be proactive in identifying challenges within their communities and developing practical solutions.
He emphasised that community development starts with responsible citizens who are willing to act.
Mr. Owojori quoted the Rector as urging participants to align their goals with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), describing them as a strategic roadmap for social impact. He said.
“Our youths must go beyond complaints and become solution providers. The SDGs are broad enough to accommodate your ideas; be it in health, education, environment, or entrepreneurship.”
The Polytechnic boss further stressed the importance of digital literacy, encouraging the fellows to utilise social media and other online tools for advocacy and public engagement.
“Digital platforms give you a voice beyond borders. Use them to campaign for causes, highlight solutions, and attract collaboration,” he said.
He also highlighted the significance of acquiring relevant skills, turning such skills into businesses, and finding mentors who can guide their growth journeys.
“Skill without value addition is idle. Learn, monetise, and scale; that’s how you build relevance,” he added.
Also addressing the participants, Hon. Oyeniyi Timothy Oyedokun delved into the mindset of leadership, asserting that leadership is not about titles but values and vision.
“Leadership is of the mind. You don’t need to hold political office before making an impact. Leadership starts where you are,” he said.
Sharing personal experiences from his life before politics, Hon. Oyedokun encouraged the youths to broaden their understanding of governance and move from the sidelines to active participation.
He also advised them to be more empathetic when assessing leaders, noting that criticism is best when it is constructive and informed.
He urged the fellows to dream big, embrace responsibility, and commit themselves to making meaningful contributions within their spheres of influence.
“You have the power to build the future you desire. Start now. Be bold, be visionary, and be the change agent your community needs,” he concluded.
The CLAY Fellowship Programme, an acronym for CEHUWEI Leadership and Advocacy for Youth, is designed to equip emerging leaders with advocacy tools, leadership skills, and civic responsibility through training, dialogue, and mentorship.
The 5-day intensive session featured workshops, group activities, and engagements with notable leaders in the region.
Organisers of the event expressed gratitude to the mentors and reaffirmed their commitment to raising youth leaders who will drive sustainable development and accountable governance across Nigeria.
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