The Irepodun Youth Council (IYC) has hosted an inter-party prayer and fundraising summit in Omu-Aran for political candidates and aspirants across Irepodun Local Government Area, creating a unified front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Organized under the theme “Leadership Purpose: Seeking Divine Wisdom for Effective Service,” the gathering took place at the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat Hall in Omu-Aran, bringing together political contenders across party divides, traditional leaders, academics, and youth leaders.
In his opening address, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area, Hon. Azeez Tinuola Yakub lauded the youth leadership for organizing a non-partisan platform designed to foster political harmony and mutual understanding.
“I am happy to see the youth of Irepodun making this fulfilling initiative a reality. This platform will enable all aspirants and candidates to come together.” He said.
“Irepodun Local Government is behind this movement, and we must make it a reality so that it can continue to make Irepodun stronger,” Hon. Yakub added.
Reaffirming the non-partisan stance of the apex youth body, IYC President Comrade Ibiwoye Olaniyi Moses (Aniyikaiye) emphasized that the gathering was structured to encourage candidate reflection on public trust and moral accountability rather than to endorse any single political platform.
Delivering the keynote paper, the former Provost of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, Prof. M. A. Aremu, challenged political aspirants to redefine public office as a sacred trust, asserting that true leadership is measured by societal impact rather than electoral titles.
“Position is given by INEC. Purpose is given by God and by the people through their votes. Therefore, purpose gives direction to leadership,” Prof. Aremu said, adding that academic qualifications and political experience must be guided by divine wisdom, humility, and genuine service.
Commending the initiative, the Member representing Irepodun State Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly and PDP candidate for 2027, Hon. Shola Odetundun, praised the council for promoting political unity, while goodwill messages were delivered by the APC candidate for Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, Hon. Olasumbo Florence Oyeyemi (represented by Comr. Habeeb Tunde), and the President of Kwara South Youth Development Organization (KWAYORG), Prince Abolarin Alaba Sarafadeen (Dansharafa).
The summit concluded with special inter-faith prayers for peaceful electoral processes, alongside a fundraising appeal aimed at sustaining youth-driven development and civic engagement initiatives across Irepodun Local Government Area.
