By Muhammed Olamilekan Saliu
The Kwara South Youth Development Organization (KWAYORG), the umbrella body for Kwara South youths globally, has launched a strategic roadmap aimed at revitalizing the region for economic prosperity and fostering unity of purpose.
This pivotal step was taken during the first-ever General Convergence of All Indigenous Associations in Kwara South, encompassing the Ekiti, Igbomina, and Ibolo blocs.
Held on Wednesday at the Ajase-Ipo Descendants Union (ADU) Hall in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area, the event saw the unveiling of KWAYORG’s official slogan: “United for Community Development.”
KWAYORG President, Prince Abolarin Alaba Dansharafa, in his remarks, stated that the slogan “reflects the deep-rooted passion of the organization to unite all Kwara Southerners together, devoid of hatred, irrespective of party affiliation, for the collective goals of the development and economic advancement of the region.”
Dansharafa reminisced about the spirit of oneness and togetherness that characterized the people of Kwara South in the late 1980s, emphasizing how they “always had their back and stood for themselves, devoid of selfish interests, for the development of the region.” He noted that these commendable traits distinguished the people and led to their prominence in various government parastatals.
“It’s so sad that along the lines, our people have deviated, and this has largely cost our one voice in fighting for our people,” Dansharafa lamented.
He underscored the historical significance of this convergence of indigenous associations, highlighting its necessity in promoting unity and fast-tracking key developmental initiatives for the region. This initiative, he added, is a core part of the organization’s roadmap towards establishing a unified umbrella body for all indigenous sons and daughters of the region.
Speaking at the gathering, Elder Oyin Zubair, a foremost Community Development Champion and Advisory Executive on KWAYORG’s Board of Trustees (BoT), commended the administration for its thoughtful initiative, confirming it as a “first ever since the creation of KWAYORG.”
Elder Oyin, speaking on behalf of the KWAYORG BoT, highlighted the various challenges currently facing the region, particularly security issues, stressing that “all hands must be on deck to ensure logical solutions.” He urged participants to assist security agencies by providing beneficial information for the safety and protection of the people, emphasizing the importance of not withholding vital intelligence.
Youth leaders from across the three blocs (Ekiti, Igbomina, and Ibolo), representing communities within the seven local government areas of the region, expressed their satisfaction with the initiative.
Many noted that the initiative marked the first time the region has had a leadership genuinely committed to uniting all indigenous groups in the district.
Karim Raufu, President of Igosun National Youth, stated, “It’s our duty to also offer our advice to enable us to succeed collectively,” while urging the KWAYORG leadership to avoid preferential treatment of members.
Okikiola Razaq, representing Isokan Agbegbe Youth under the Omupo constituency, identified major factors affecting the people of the region as “the quest for power, land issues, and lack of understanding.” He expressed confidence that with the newly unveiled roadmap, these challenges would soon become a thing of the past.
Hon. Sanni Maruf, General Secretary of Amoyo Descendants Union, charged the gathering to “imbibe the spirit of oneness and togetherness for the prosperity of the region.”
The event drew prominent youth leaders, including Engr. Ajibola Olugbenga, President of Igbomina Youth Assembly (Igbomina bloc); Kareem Jeleel Amoloye, Publicity Secretary of the Ekiti-Kwara Youth Navigator (representing Ekiti Bloc); and Olufemi Oguntokun, President of the Ibolo Youth Development Association (Ibolo bloc).
