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Nigerian Youths: Council boss reiterates keys of political inclusion
By Lanre Adesanya
The youngest of all the 57 Sole Administrators appointed by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has urge the Nigerian youths to remain committed to influencing the change they desire in the nation.
Speaking at a forum organized in honour of his outstanding status at age 28 by ‘Involve Africa’ a United Nation recognised body of youths yearning for involvement in governance,tagged “An evening with the youngest local council boss in Lagos Gbenga Abiola”,and themed “ Youth and Governance:Access capacity and engagement”,held at MRC hall in LASUTH.
The young council administrator charged every youth not to rest on their oars till the odds to greater attainment are surmounted.
Mr. Gbenga Abiola the Sole Administrator Agege Local Government Area,stressed the need for youths to keep being naturally passionate in the pursuit of their set goals,noting that that will guarantee them their target end at the long run.
According to him his secret of success in life was the ability to merge theoretical inputs of psychology with the practicality of politics,he stressed further that one thing he has learn to do repeatedly is to wait and remain active so as to remain politically relevant.
National Daily reports that the recommendation of the current Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa secured him the appointment.
Recounting his most challenging ordeal so far,the former councillorship aspirant in Agege mirrors the power of synergy between Community Development Association(CDA),the council and the Nigerian Police Force as the major secret that help curtail the dreadful Awawa cult gang terrorising Agege in times past.
“The most important day is the day I was appointed because I never expected it and looking at the challenges from the task ahead,Agege local government is as big as some African countries,so calling a youth like me at 28 to come and rule an African country was very tasking and challenging, and also a very remarkable day of my life.
On his defining moment in politics, he said,“May your loyalty not be tested so goes the saying, I have not seen the task as too big for me initially, so that kept me going,immediately I got the appointment I told myself this is big but I am bigger and also you don’t know what your principal or whoever is recommending you is looking for, so I have been myself,I have always portrayed the trait that has been in me.
Gbenga while in a chat with National Daily also counseled the flag bearers of the parties in the coming July 22nd poll to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship in their bid and not give up.
“Youths need make concerted effort to assert the their presence in the polity,for them to be reckoned with,if I decide to contest for senate and they ask me to go and sit down,I will sit and stand again,look if you are popular don’t be violent about it.No imposition can stop you,18 years from now I look forward to being the president of Nigeria.
“ The first question for the flagbearers are; were they picked by the party? If yes good it means they have to live up to expectation but if not picked by whichever party,then it is not the end of the road but an opportunity for you to redress and re-strategize,the maker of leaders are watching.