The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Pensions Board, Hon. Tunji Rafiu Adekunle, has made a clarion call for political consciousness, structural unity, and regional development at the official inauguration of the Youth Development Association held at the Secretariat in Ibadan on Tuesday.
In a stirring and forward-looking address delivered by Hon. Adekunle, the seasoned administrator underscored the urgent need for collective action and strategic alignment to advance the socio-political and economic aspirations of the Oke Ogun region of Oyo State.
Hon. Adekunle stressed that the time had come for communities and stakeholders to channel their energies into endeavors that deliver measurable developmental outcomes, rather than dispersing efforts across fragmented or competing interests. “We must redirect our energies towards ventures that will yield tangible results and bring about meaningful development to our region,” he declared, noting that true progress is as much a matter of political will as it is of physical infrastructure.
One of the key points of Hon. Adekunle’s address was his endorsement of the longstanding advocacy for the creation of a new Oyo State, with its administrative capital in Oke Ogun. He argued that this structural reconfiguration would correct historical imbalances, unlock economic potential, and secure a prosperous future for the region’s inhabitants.
“We believe that this move will unlock opportunities… and propel our region towards a brighter future,” he said, while also maintaining that Ibadan should remain the capital of a proposed Ibadan State—ensuring dual development paths that reflect the cultural and administrative diversity of the present Oyo State.
Emphasizing the need for coherence among pressure groups and advocacy organizations, Hon. Adekunle proposed the consolidation of various movements under a single umbrella body to enable unified and effective representation. “We have numerous organizations clamoring for similar objectives. It’s high time we collapsed them into an umbrella organization that can speak with one voice and drive our collective agenda forward,” he stated.
The Chairman urged the youths to champion peer mobilization, voter education, policy advocacy, and active political engagement while market associations were called upon to leverage their economic influence to support community initiatives, shape trade-related policies, and build synergy with other sectors.
Hon. Adekunle encouraged artisans to lend their technical skills to community development, actively participate in relevant decision-making processes, and advocate for small-scale industrial support and Students were urged to lead through research, activism, and civic participation, fostering a generation of informed and capable leaders.
In his message to philanthropists and elite citizens, Hon. Adekunle made a compelling appeal for greater political involvement and humility. He urged them to use their influence and resources not only for charity but for systemic transformation. “To our elites, we ask that you bury your egos and see the downtrodden as instruments for the propagation of our shared ideas,” he said.
Cautioning against the dangers of division, especially in a polarized political climate, Hon. Adekunle encouraged a critical reassessment of political affiliations. He urged communities to align with platforms that reflect their collective values and aspirations, emphasizing that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”
He concluded his address with a call for strategic collaboration, unity of purpose, and a renewed political direction: “Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.”
The event was attended by dignitaries, youth leaders, traditional stakeholders, and community representatives from across the state, all echoing the message of solidarity, political reawakening, and grassroots-driven development.
