Gov Aiyedatiwa receives Mahin, Aheri, Etikan youth leadership, urges peaceful, purposeful tenure

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday, received the newly inaugurated executives of Mahin, Aheri, and Etikan Youth Association, urging them to embrace peace, unity, and purposeful leadership in the discharge of their duties.

The Governor congratulated Mr. Taye Ogunse, who emerged Chairman after a competitive election, alongside other executives, noting that their victory reflected the trust and confidence of the people and the Board of Trustees. He commended the BOT for their steadfastness and transparency in sustaining the association’s vision over the years.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described their positions as a call to service and responsibility, urging the new leaders to coordinate youths for positive change, development, and peaceful coexistence in their communities. “The youth are very important in any society. That is why we believe in this body for mobilization toward causes that are positive, legitimate, and capable of driving development,” he said.

He assured the youth leaders of the government’s support, adding that ministries, departments, and agencies dealing with youth affairs would recognize and engage with them in matters concerning young people. “This is the authentic, elected youth organization for Mahin, Aheri, and Etikan. Where youth voices are needed, you will be called upon,” he emphasized.

The Governor encouraged the executives to make their tenure a model of peace and progress, reminding them that the records they leave behind will shape their future opportunities. “Let your tenure be known for good so that when reference is made in the future, it will be for positive contributions and not crises,” he charged.

Earlier, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, representing Ilaje constituency in, Princess Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, who presented the new executives to the Governor noted that around July 11, 2025, the youth of Lajepun 22, which comprises Mahin, Aheri, and Etikan, held their congress under the platform of the Mahin, Aheri, Etikan Youth Congress.

She said “as it’s customary every four years, fresh elections were conducted to usher in new executive members. Despite the rigorous process, the exercise was peaceful and transparent, with three contestants vying for the position of the chairman. The election was successfully supervised by the electoral chairman, Comrade Shola Abemowaku, and concluded without any breach of protocol, violence, or unrest in the constituency.

“The process produced a new leadership team led by Mr. Taye Ogunse, a native of Itupo communi community in Maitu, who now serves as chairman. He is supported by Mr. Adesuyi Adedoyin from Aheri as vice chairman”.

She stressed that, all six wards within the constituency are duly represented in the new executive council, reflecting fairness and inclusiveness.

Also speaking, th Board of Trustee chairman, Mr Wale Ipenko, expressed deep appreciation for the leadership and security framework that made the recent youth election possible.

According to him, leaders across his community stood firmly together to ensure that this time, the exercise would be peaceful and credible.

He further noted that the process was well-organized, transparent, and openly contested without bias or subjugation. The involvement of state leaders and other delegates gave the election additional credibility, making it a unique milestone in youth leadership.

While appreciating Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment, he assured that the newly elected youth congress leadership would remain peaceful, supportive, and purposeful. He also pledged that the congress would serve as partners in progress, fueling the energy of young people to align with the vision of the state’s leadership.

In attendance were; Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Commissioner for health, Dr Banji Ajaka, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, Justice Orimisan Okorisa.