•• Convener Calls for Leadership with Empathy, Drawing Inspiration from Governor AbdulRazaq’s Style
A commitment to physical and mental wellness, combined with a call for enlightened youth leadership, marked the conclusion of the A.A Leadership Fitness Retreat in Ilorin.
Convened by Ambassador Shola Ilyas Akanbi, the gathering successfully mobilized youths from across the state, alongside key government officials, to promote self-reflection, networking, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Organized by the AA Youth Wing in tribute to the Kwara State Governor, H.E. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the event transformed the Kwara State Stadium into a dynamic gathering of activity and dialogue.
The retreat featured an extensive menu of activities designed to boost holistic health, including yoga, spa treatments, cultural dance, and competitive games such as Ludo, Chess, Scrabble, Draft, Table tennis, Snooker, Handball, Aerobics, Football, and Horse racing.
These exercises were specifically curated to enhance emotional intelligence, personal responsibility, and positive transformation among participants.
Speaking at the event, Kwara State Govenor represented by Alhaji Sa’adu Salihu, Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor emphasized the critical importance of these activities noting that it enhances heartbeat, reduces a lot of stress, helps one during sleep, and it makes one feel better in daily activity.
“We want to commend Ambassador Akobi for bringing this together, for giving this opportunity, bringing the youths of Kwara State from all parts of the state to come and wine and dine together and ensure that we all live here better fit and more relaxed for the rest of the new year that we are about to enter.” He said.
On her part, Princess Bukola Babalola, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Kwara Governor, echoed thesame sentiment, urging continuity in health practices.
“We need to educate our people the importance of sport. So everybody that can participate, male, female, young, old, there is something for everybody to do. So let’s be the ambassador, join the ambassador academy and tell our people that.” She said.
A truly remarkable moment occurred during the game awards ceremony, which saw cheques presented to the winners.
The highlight was the victory of Olojoku Bilal, a 7-year-old boy who achieved a stunning upset by defeating experienced experts to claim the golden prize. His win was celebrated with widespread cheering and applause.
Earlier in his address, the Converner Ambassador Shola Ilyas Akanbi stressed that the retreat was more than a social gathering. He said it was a call to action for the youth to drive change and unity in the state.
He highlighted Governor AbdulRazaq’s governance philosophy as the guiding model for the next generation of leaders.
“Under His Excellency Mal Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s leadership, we’ve got opportunities to grow and lead. His Excellency shows us leadership is about kindness, respect, love, and humility.” He said.
“It’s the new broom that sweeps the corners, We’re that new broom! Let’s lead with love, listen with empathy, and build a brighter Kwara.” He concluded.
9japarrot reports that the widely praised event has set a new standard for youth engagement in Kwara State, signifying the AA Youth Wing’s ongoing mission to empower and inspire.
The gathering drew numerous dignitaries and key officials, including; Sheu Ndanusa Usman (Kwara State Commissioner for Youth Development), Hon Commissioner for Transport, Hon Commissioner for Agriculture, Alh Rasaq Jidah (Special Adviser on Special Duties), Hon Dr Lanre Darosa, Hon Funsho Abdullahi (Chief of Staff to Hon Minister for Youth Development), Hon. Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa (Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority), Alh Danmaigoro and Alh Olasheu, among others.
