By Stephen Adeleye
Kabba (Kogi) The youths of Okunland have launched a movement, “Okun Youth Alliance (OYA) Movement”, to champion unity, progress and development in Okunland
The OYA Movement with the theme: “Raising a New Generation of Okun Leaders: Through Sensitisation, Empowerment, and Political Action”, was formally unveiled on Friday in Kabba.
The event was well attended by dignitaries, royal fathers, technocrats, politicians and government officials, sons and daughters from Okunland.
In his welcome address, the Convener, OYA Movement, Comrade Oladele John-Nihi, said the moment marked a significant milestone in the journey towards unity, progress and development of Okunland.
According to him, OYA movement is anchored on three pillars: Sensitisation & Reorientation, Empowerment & Engagement, and Politics.
“We believe that by sensitising and reorienting our youths, we can help them develop a sense of purpose and direction.
“By empowering and engaging them, we can unlock their potential and help them become active participants in the development of our community.
“And through politics, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that our interests are represented at all levels of governance.
“As we move forward, we will face challenges and obstacles. But we will not be deterred.
“We will not be discouraged. We will continue to work together, to support each other, and to strive for excellence.
“As at today, we have had over 1,000 members at OYA Movement platform irrespective of political or religion affiliations,” John-Nihi said.
While commending the dignitaries for gracing the occasion, the convener urged the people to unite their efforts, resources, and talents to build a brighter future for themselves, their children and community.
In his remarks, the Obaro of Kabba, and Chairman Okun Traditional Council, HRM, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, commended the convener and his team for the initiative, saying it is a movement in the right direction for the development and unity of okunland.
The paramount ruler urged the youth to approach the movement with a great sense of responsibility and commitment without sentiment towards the development of okunland.
He, therefore expressed the full support of Okun Traditional Council of Chiefs for OYA movement towards the development and progress of Okunland.
In their separate comments, the State Security Adviser, Cmdre Jerry Omodara rtd; Arc Idris Salman, and Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, jointly stressed the need to make great sacrifice and take responsibility to address societal poverty bedevilled Okunland for decades.
Omodara emphasised the need for all Okun sons and daughters to unite together and deliberately fight poverty to a standstill for the betterment of Okunland
The state security Adviser stressed that the OYA Movement is poised to address such gaps, describing it as a great movement that would unite okun people for the development of Okunland
“We must begin to appraise and reappraise ourselves and I hope the OYA Movement will be able to address the issue of societal poverty, because development does not happen by chance but by coordinated actions,” Braimoh said.
“Our solution lies in our unity, commitment and sacrifice for the development of Okunland, there is a need for okun people to be politically conscious,” Salman said.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Kabba-Bunu LGA, Barr. Dare Zacchaeus, promised his 100 per cent involvement to any issue that has to do with the youth.
He commended all the dignitaries and lauded their efforts and commitment towards the development of Okunland.
“The liberation of the future of Okun start here today, and we must unite together for a common forefront to strategically position ourselves for power shift to Okunland,” Zacchaeus said.
The chairman urged the people of Okunland to give their full support to Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration to enable him succeed.
The chairman pledged his total support and that of the people of Kabba-Bunu LGA for the OYA Movement to realize its dream.
The keynote Speaker, Comr Idris Miliki, stressed the need for Okun people to unite and collectively work together towards the development of Okunland.
Miliki, who is the Executive Director, Conscience fir Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), suggested organising annual event such as conferences where critical issues regarding the development of Okunland would be addressed.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of OYA Movementt logo with face caps, and the inauguration of the OYA Movement Steering Committee Executives both at the State and Local Government levels.
Other dignitaries at the occasion were: Prince Phillip Orebiyi, the ODA Chairman, Amb. Rotimi Akenson, who was represented by Mr Dayo Akonmode., among others
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