New IYDA Leadership Sets Bold Vision for Ilupeju-Ekiti Youth

By Joseph Sunday

Ilupeju-Ekiti — The Ilupeju Youth Development Association (IYDA) has inaugurated Comrade Lawrence Ibitoye as its new National President, ushering in what leaders described as a fresh era for youth development in the community.

The swearing-in ceremony held Sunday in Ilupeju-Ekiti, with His Royal Majesty, Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade I, the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, in attendance alongside traditional chiefs, community leaders, and prominent indigenes.

Ibitoye Unveils Multi-Point Agenda:
In his inaugural address, Ibitoye described his election as “a shared victory for all youths” and pledged an administration built on transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.

He outlined a multi-point agenda targeting three key areas:

• Youth Empowerment: Establishment of a Youth Vocational Development Centre to equip young people with practical, income-generating skills. • Education: Revival of the Students’ Union body to strengthen advocacy and support for students. • Welfare and Unity: Sustained youth welfare programmes and stronger collaboration with stakeholders to accelerate community growth.
• 
  Ibitoye also called on well-placed indigenes to mentor unemployed youths and create job opportunities. He further urged the community to strategically position its people for higher political offices, noting his vision for Ilupeju-Ekiti to produce future senators, House of Representatives members, and ministers to fast-track development.

Royal Charge and Stakeholder Advice:
Oba Akingbade I charged the new executives to prioritize unity, teamwork, and community development, stressing that the town’s future rests heavily on its youths. He offered royal blessings for a successful tenure and called for broad support for the new team.

Mr. Sola Ogunmiluyi, retired Permanent Secretary and President of the Plateau Social Club of Ilupeju-Ekiti, and Mr. Dele Owolabi, Chairman of the Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), Ado Ekiti Branch, advised the executives to respect traditional institutions and IDA leadership. Both emphasized securing proper approvals before rolling out projects to preserve community unity, while urging youths to stay committed to education and partnerships that prepare them for leadership.

Outgoing President Lists Achievements:
Outgoing President, Engr. Christopher Femi Fagbemi, congratulated the new team and highlighted milestones from his eight-year tenure. Under his leadership, he said, IYDA facilitated jobs for 116 youths, ran empowerment and educational support programmes, established an ICT centre in partnership with ECKPRA, built shops, and promoted youth involvement in modern farming. Fagbemi thanked the community for its support and pledged to continue backing the new administration.

New Executive Council:

• • National President: Comrade Lawrence Ibitoye
• • Vice President: Mrs. Adeojo Mary
• • General Secretary: Mr. Ogunleye Dada Oluwagbemi
• • Director of Treasury: Mr. Asoge Olawafemi Jeremiah
• • Financial Secretary: Mr. Bamidele Vincent Fisayomi
• • Director of Education: Mr. Bamisaye Temitope
• • Director of Media & Publicity: Prince Ojo Oluwole Ezekiel
• • Director of Sports: Mr. Adeleye Sunday Ola
• • Director of Women Affairs: Mrs. Ayeni Oyeyemi
• • Assistant General Secretary: Mr. Ajayi Sunday Ade.
• 
  Dignitaries Present:
  The event was attended by top traditional and community figures including the Obanla of Ilupeju-Ekiti, High Chief Amos Ogunbiyi; the Oloja Odo-Egosi; Mr. Tope Babalola, Director of Press, Ekiti State Information Services; Engr. Omotayo Kayode; Mr. Ibigbami David; and Alhaji Rasaq Olayemi Amusa, former National Public Relations Officer of IDA.