By, Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan.

My love for Oyo State and Nigeria has never been measured by what I can immediately gain. It is rooted in conviction, sacrifice, service and a genuine desire to see our society become better for everyone.

As a stakeholder in the Students’ Community in Oyo State and Nigeria, my journey has been defined by service and active participation in the development of young people and our communities.

Over the years, I have served in different capacities, including Former Sports Director, NANS JCC Ogun Axis; Former Liaison Officer to the NANS President, Comrade Yinka Gbadebo; Former National Assistant Secretary-General, NAPS; Former President, NAPS; and currently, National President of the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS).

I am also an Economics student of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, and a youth leader deeply committed to the future of Nigeria.

Beyond titles and positions, what matters most to me is the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
My passion for sustainable development, peaceful coexistence, democratic stability, responsible citizenship and the advancement of Oyo State and Nigeria has remained consistent over the years. I have participated in several community development initiatives, seminars, conferences and youth-development programmes, gaining deeper understanding of the challenges confronting our society and the practical steps required to address them.

I have contributed my quota without always looking for immediate rewards.

I have sacrificed my time, resources, energy and opportunities because I believe that nation-building is not supposed to be about what we can collect today, but about what we can build for tomorrow.
A better Nigeria will not happen by wishing for it. It requires citizens who are willing to participate, speak up, educate others, mobilise responsibly and contribute their little corner of the solution.

MY RECENT EXPERIENCE

During the recently concluded voter registration exercise, I mobilised a significant number of students and young people to participate and get registered ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Interestingly, some people assumed that such mobilisation must have been sponsored by politicians.

At one of the registration locations, I was confronted with the question of who was sponsoring the mobilisation. I simply laughed and took my time to explain something fundamental:
Not every act of public service is sponsored.
Sometimes, people act because they genuinely care.

I was not sponsored by anyone. I simply believe that if we truly desire a better Nigeria, we must be prepared to contribute our quota to the democratic and structural transformation of our country.

Democracy cannot thrive when citizens remain spectators.
Young people must understand that their voices matter. Their participation matters. Their decisions matter. And their future cannot be left entirely in the hands of others.

THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT WORDS

What I say today is backed by years of work.
I have built relationships, networks and a strong team of young people across Nigeria who share the same vision of a better society. In Oyo State particularly, I am blessed with committed people who believe in our collective vision and cannot be easily bought over because our commitment is bigger than personal interests.

Our focus is simple:

A society where no one is unnecessarily molested.

A society where nobody is treated as worthless.

A society where opportunities are not reserved for a privileged few.

A society where young people can dream and pursue those dreams.

A society where peace is valued and democracy is respected.

A society where every Nigerian can wake up with hope and a reason to smile.

For me, leadership is not about how many people stand behind you when everything is going well. It is about the values you uphold when there is nothing immediate to gain.

I have chosen the path of service because I believe that life becomes more meaningful when our existence contributes to the happiness, dignity and progress of others.
Life is only truly beautiful when our presence gives other people a reason to smile whenever they see a new day.

I remain deeply committed to the development of Oyo State and the advancement of Nigeria.
I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the potential of our youth. I believe in the strength of our democracy. And above all, I believe Nigeria will survive.

The challenges may be enormous, but our collective determination must be greater.
Nigeria will be great again.

Not merely because we say it, but because we are willing to work for it.

I AM COMRADE OLALERE BENEDICT ADETuNJI.

A Youth Leader.
A Student.
A Nation Builder.
A Believer in Nigeria.
Service before self.
Nation before immediate benefit.
Progress before personal interest.

Long live Oyo State.
Long live Nigeria.

Comrade Olalere Benedict Adetunji is the National President, National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS)/ Coalition of Yoruba Youth Movement,
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