Dare to dream big, you are the future leaders of today and tomorrow— Makinde’s aide, Agberemi RAD charges students

…Donates gifts, essential materials

As Nigeria joins in the celebration of the 2024 Children’s Day, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo, also known as RAD, has charged over 135 SS3 students in the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency to be good ambassador in the society, noting that they remain the future leaders of today and tomorrow. 

Mrs Ramota Agberemi-Dabo, who is the CEO Baby Blue Angels Foundation, stated this on Monday during a Young Leaders Summit organized for SS3 students in commemoration of the 2024 children’s day, themed “Emerging Leaders: The Future of The Nation, held at Award Hall, Akinyele Local Gov’t Secretariat, Ibadan. 

While encouraging the students to remain committed to their education and make their parents proud, she said the initiative which began in 2017 was borne out of the desire to mold future leaders from their young age.

According to her, SS3 students are the one passing out of schools, they have every opportunity to become whatever they want to be because after leaving school, they are going into the real world. 

Emphasizing that youths are not just the future of tomorrow but who need to begin their journey today, the CEO added that the foundation is trying to build the next generation. 

She said: “I want you to believe that we are all one and must not allow religion to separate us. When you go out to the world, it’s culture and religion they use to separate us. So, we must not allow ourselves to be divided along ethnic lines.

“You are the future leaders of today and tomorrow. You are the one that will make things happen. You all have a role to play in the society to make the society a better place. It’s your voice that will bring the change.”

The event which was attended by top Oyo government functionaries, including the Commissioner for  Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, also featured students from various schools and teachers.

In his remarks, the commissioner for information, Prince Oyelade, who challenged the over 130 students at the event to hold on to the vision of great possibilities said they should believe that their lives will be impactful to many generations.

He charged the children to abstain from drug abuse and other emerging social vices, commending the SSA on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for organizing such a laudable initiative to orientate the children.

Oyelade, who equally urged the children not to be distracted in their journey to greatness, however maintained that parents have huge expectations on children and encouraged the students to be the corner stones of the parents happiness and joy. 

He added that Governor Seyi Makinde appointed him as the oldest commissioner Oyo State has ever produced, and, at seventy-two, he prayed that the children would likewise succeed in life, noting that his appointment is a stepping stone to even bigger things.

The Commissioner said: “There is nothing wrong in becoming a teacher or engineer. “It’s a promise, you are all going to be successful in life. You will remember the wrinkle Dotun Oyelade who has also come to give you advice. This event is the most important assignment of my life despite having many engagements and I hope that you will all be succeful. 

“I want the best for you and the best will come your way. One of the cardinal of being successful in your life is that you must not do drugs. Drug is killing. 

“Drugs are configured and manufactured to kill you. They are not meant for people who will succeed. I want you to tell your colleagues and siblings to stay away from drugs because it’s very dangerous.”

The event was attended by Engr. Twinkle Oruwariye, CEO. Twincustom Nigeria Limited, Pa. Muhammad Agberemi, father of the founder; Hon. Micheal Ogunsina, Oyo State PDP Youth Leader,  Prince Falana Adebowale, Chairman Oyo State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Wole Akinleye, Executive Chairman, Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Dayo Opatokun, Oyo State PDP Financial Secretary and Hon. Abideen Adeaga, Chairman Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency.

Others were Hon. Victor Olojede, SSA to the Governor on Students Affairs, Hon. Abiodun Suraj, SSA to the Governor on Education Intervention, Hon. Kobiewu Iyabo, G18 Member, Leader of the House, Akinyele local government, Hon. Kolawole Rafiu and the 11 Councillors, among others.