In a bid to build the next generation of public servants and thoughtful leaders, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, has called on students occupying leadership roles in tertiary institutions to embrace mentorship, broaden their knowledge of governance, and strive for excellence both in academics and leadership.
The Speaker made this appeal while receiving members of the Nigeria Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS) House of Representatives (NHR), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, alongside the Ogun State chapter of the National Association of Political Science Students.
The student leaders paid a courtesy visit to the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
While addressing them, Elemide emphasized the crucial role of the legislature in sustaining democracy and urged the students to see their current positions as a platform to gain valuable experience.
“The legislature is the engine room of democracy. To lead effectively, you must learn, unlearn, and relearn. Academic success must go hand in hand with leadership growth,” the Speaker stated.
He further encouraged the student representatives to take advantage of every opportunity that builds capacity and nurtures values that contribute to societal development.
In their responses, the student leaders expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity to interact with the Speaker. Hon. Oluwatobi Toluwalope, Speaker of NAAS House of Representatives, FUNAAB, described the engagement as “an inspiring moment that sharpens our understanding of governance.”
The President of the National Association of Political Science Students, Ogun State chapter, Badejo Florence, added,
“This session has reawakened our passion for responsible leadership. We’ll continue to carry the torch of excellence wherever we go.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker also received the Ogun State chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), led by Dr. Ekundayo Adeola. During the visit, the association unveiled their plans to begin a sensitization campaign in celebration of the upcoming ‘Boy Child Day.’
Dr. Adeola explained that the initiative aims to promote values such as discipline, resilience, and emotional intelligence in the boy child, in order to better prepare them for future societal responsibilities.
In response, Speaker Elemide applauded the initiative and assured the group of the Assembly’s support for their campaign.
“We must not neglect the boy child in our social development agenda. As we build future fathers, leaders, and contributors to nation-building, these campaigns are timely and vital,” Elemide noted.
