22/05/2025
Odusanya, Charting a Bold Course for Grassroots Excellence Through Youth Empowerment in Ijebu North
In a time when true leadership is often measured not just by policies but by the lives it transforms, Ijebu North Local Government in Ogun State stands as a shining example of purpose-driven governance. Under the forward-thinking stewardship of Mr. 'Bolaji Odusanya, the local government has broken new ground, placing education, youth development, and visionary leadership at the heart of its grassroots agenda.
The recently concluded Ijebu North Quiz and Debate Competition (Maiden Edition) was more than a ceremonial event; it was a strategic masterstroke. It represented a radical redefinition of what governance at the local level can and should look like. Designed to celebrate intellect, creativity, and critical thinking among school-aged children, the competition attracted an amazing 122 participants, ultimately narrowing down to five brilliant finalists, whose performances left an indelible impression on all in attendance.
Anchored around the challenging theme, “Parents and adults should be fully responsible for a child’s future,” the final debate sparked rigorous intellectual exchange and showcased the rising tide of young thought leaders already shaping tomorrow. The discourse was compelling, confident, and deeply reflective of the caliber of minds being nurtured under this administration’s policies.
However, what made the event truly groundbreaking was its integrated reward system. Beyond the generous cash prizes to every participant and educational scholarships throughout the Secondary School to the first Five(5) Performing pupils and One(1) Special student from Ade Ogunbanjo School for the Blind, the most coveted honour was reserved for the winner, a One-Day Executive Chairmanship of Ijebu North Local Government. Such a reward is not symbolic; it is systemic empowerment. It signals to every child in the local government that their voice matters, their intellect is valid, and their future is worth investing in.
The grand winner, Osinowo Nosirat of Omo Edumare Model Nursery & Primary School, Ago Iwoye, exemplified poise, brilliance, and depth far beyond her years. Her emergence as the next One-Day Executive Chairman marks a pivotal moment not just for her but for youth across the nooks and crannies of Ijebu North. She will be officially decorated on Monday, May 26, 2025, as part of the local government's Children’s Day celebrations. This is an inclusive and imaginative governance.
At the helm of this transformative vision is Mr. 'Bolaji Odusanya, whose tenure has consistently prioritized the empowerment of the underserved, particularly children and young people. He has shattered the tired stereotype of local government as merely administrative machinery and has, instead, cultivated it into an incubator for excellence, innovation, and equity.
What sets BJ, as politically nicknamed apart is his rare understanding that governance must be felt where it matters most: in classrooms, in communities, and in the aspirations of the next generation. His leadership doesn’t just deliver, it inspires, reimagines, and ignites possibilities.
As other local governments across the country take note, Ijebu North's blueprint is clear: when leadership meets vision, and policy is guided by purpose, transformation becomes inevitable.
Ijebu North is not just administering governance. Under Odusanya, it is scripting legacy!
