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Massive Turnout in Abeokuta as Ogun Youths Rally in Prayer for Yayi’s 2027 Race
Joel Ajayi
Abeokuta witnessed an unprecedented surge of energy and solidarity as thousands of youths converged for a special prayer gathering in support of the 2027 governorship ambition of Adeola Olamilekan Yayi.
The event, organised by the Yayi Youth Vanguard, transformed the Panseke skating ground into a carnival-like arena, with over 5,000 participants drawn from across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State. Clad in white face caps boldly inscribed “Ogun Youths For Yayi,” the crowd demonstrated both political enthusiasm and spiritual unity.
Senator Yayi, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District and currently chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, is widely speculated to be eyeing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing the gathering, the Ogun State Coordinator of the group, Comrade Olamide Lawal, stressed the urgent need for greater youth inclusion in Nigeria’s political process.
Speaking on the theme, “Consolidating a Brighter Future for Ogun Youth Inclusiveness in Politics and Governance,” Lawal described young people as critical stakeholders whose active participation is essential for sustainable development and democratic growth.
He noted that despite constituting a large percentage of the electorate, Nigerian youths remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles.
“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are active participants in today’s governance,” Lawal said. “Political institutions must create more opportunities for youth engagement—not only as voters but as candidates, policymakers, and leaders.”
Highlighting the significance of the current religious season, he explained that the prayer session was deliberately timed to coincide with Ramadan and Lent, bringing together Islamic clerics and Christian pastors to seek divine guidance for the movement and the state.
Lawal further urged young Nigerians to abandon political apathy, warning that disengagement would only limit their ability to influence governance and benefit from democratic dividends.
“If you are not involved, you cannot demand accountability or expect inclusion,” he added, encouraging youths to actively participate in shaping their communities and political future.
He also called for structural reforms within political parties, including reduced nomination fees and expanded access to leadership positions, to eliminate barriers that discourage youth participation. According to him, mentorship from established leaders is key to bridging the generational divide and fostering innovation in governance.
Also lending his voice, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, represented by his aide Abiola Odetola, advocated for policies that institutionalise youth inclusion, such as quota systems in elective and appointive offices.
He expressed optimism that sustained advocacy would usher in a new era of youth-driven leadership capable of addressing pressing national challenges, including unemployment, education reform, and technological advancement.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Bisi Oyedele, representing Ipokia State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, underscored the importance of integrating the energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives of young people into Nigeria’s governance framework.
The event not only showcased growing political mobilisation among Ogun youths but also reinforced calls for a more inclusive and participatory democratic system as the 2027 political landscape gradually takes shape.
News
DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development
Cyril Samania
The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.
Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.
He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.
According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.
He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.
Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.
He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.
Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.
He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.
Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.
He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.
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