Youths Rally in Ondo State Ahead of Network Election, Contestants Pledge Peaceful Polls
Akure, the capital of Ondo State, was filled with youthful energy as members of the Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN), alongside young residents from across the state, gathered at the House of Assembly Arcade in Alagbaka for a pre-election rally. The event, held ahead of the network’s election scheduled for Saturday, August 30, provided a platform for contestants to present their manifestos to an enthusiastic audience.
The rally highlighted the increasing involvement of youths in leadership and governance, with participants eager to shape the direction of their organization. To promote peace and fairness, all contestants signed a peace accord facilitated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The accord, signed openly before the crowd, symbolized their collective commitment to non-violence and credibility in the electoral process.
Following the signing, each candidate addressed the gathering, sharing their visions for OSYN’s growth. Manifestos included proposals for expanded youth empowerment programs, improved regional coordination across senatorial districts, and stronger community impact. The audience listened keenly, applauding as candidates recounted personal stories of service and commitment to youth development.
Positions to be contested in the election include financial secretary, public relations officer (PRO), director of special duties, general secretary, deputy coordinators for the South, North, and Central senatorial districts, and the overall state coordinator.
These offices, considered crucial to the network’s structure, will drive financial accountability, communication, and equitable representation across the state.
The event’s atmosphere was vibrant and festive, with supporters cheering, waving banners, and donning customized T-shirts. One attendee described the rally as a “celebration of democracy at the grassroots,” noting the unity it fostered among youths from different backgrounds.
Engr. Oluwalade Temiloluwa, chairman of the electoral committee, reaffirmed the committee’s readiness to deliver a transparent process. “We are committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections that every participant can trust,” he told journalists.
Similarly, the current coordinator, Afe Ezekiel, assured members of a smooth transition. While indirectly pledging his support for the process, he stressed the importance of continuity, emphasizing that OSYN’s progress depends on leaders who place collective goals above personal ambition.
With the election just days away, the rally has set a positive tone for what promises to be a landmark moment in youth leadership and engagement in Ondo State.