Bridging generations or missing the moment? Reflections from Ajilete Youth Summit 4.0

Spread the love

By Isaiah Adewole

Ogbomoso Youth for Good Governance (OYFGG), an apolitical youth movement convened by Comrade Abiodun Sunday Adediran, recently gathered at Lagbami Osekun Hall for the Ajilete Youth Summit 4.0. The theme was as profound as it was timely: “Ogbomoso Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Bridging Generations for Peace and Sustainable Leadership.” The summit was intentionally designed to unite the energy of young people with the wisdom of elder statesmen in pursuit of inclusive and sustainable leadership.

The first panel session—focused on business and creativity—was a powerful demonstration of what is already possible. It featured individuals who are not merely theorizing success but living it. Panelists explored practical strategies for identifying real-world problems and leveraging affordable digital tools to build, scale, and sustain impactful enterprises in today’s digital economy.

The session featured distinguished panelists: Dr. Olamide Alao-Akala, CEO of Umera Farms Limited; Jesudamilare Adesegun-David, CEO and Co-founder of Ennovate Lab; and Engr. Yomi Olabisi (popularly known as Yomi Apala), a creative artist and engineer. The room was filled with the spirit of “Today.”

These young innovators showed clearly that Ogbomoso’s youths are not waiting for the future—they are actively building it.
As Chinua Achebe wisely noted, “While we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.” The youth at this summit demonstrated capacity, innovation, and readiness to lead the growth and transformation of our community.

However, an essential piece of the “Tomorrow” we seek appeared to struggle during the Stewardship Panel Session 2, which was scheduled to feature members of the Oyo State House of Assembly. This session was meant to be the heart of the summit—a rare and valuable opportunity for direct dialogue, accountability, and intergenerational exchange between young citizens and their elected representatives. Unfortunately, many of the seats reserved for political leaders remained empty.

While we acknowledge that public office comes with demanding schedules and unavoidable engagements, the absence of many leaders from a session explicitly titled “Stewardship” was deeply felt. Stewardship, by its very nature, requires presence. It demands showing up; to listen, to engage, to answer questions, and to help chart a clearer path for the next generation.

For the ideas discussed at the summit – youth empowerment, economic development, peacebuilding, and good governance – to move from conversation to reality, our leaders must be part of the process. They must understand firsthand the pulse, frustrations, and innovative solutions being proposed by the youth.

We therefore commend those who recognized the importance of this generational bridge. Notably, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, Soun of Ogbomosoland, ably represented by His Royal Highness, Prophet Dr. Sunday Ademola Ogunmola (Alaaje of Ogbomosoland), alongside Chief Sunday Oyelola Oladipupo (Iba Abogunde of Ogbomosoland). We also acknowledge Hon. Akinwole Solomon Akinwole, represented by Hon. Hakeem Opeyemi Amao, as well as Dr. Adekunle Samson Adegbite and Hon. Paul Ajagbe Onirese.
Their presence sent a powerful message to the youth: leadership is not merely a title, it is the act of showing up. As an African proverb reminds us, “You cannot shave a man’s head in his absence.” In the same vein, no generation can be effectively led or empowered without first being heard.

This reflection is not written in criticism, but in the spirit of partnership. We applaud the vision of unity and inclusive leadership demonstrated by OYFGG and all who made the summit a success. We now extend a sincere call to our leaders in the Oyo State Assembly and beyond: support the youth not only with words, but with your presence at the table.

For Ogbomoso to move from the glories of “Yesterday” to the promise of sustainable leadership in “Tomorrow,” today’s leaders must be willing to engage the youth.

We look forward to your presence next time, because when youths and elders speak together, the entire community grows.

Please follow and like us: