The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, has reiterated the administration’s commitment to youth development, emphasizing that young Nigerians will continue to have opportunities to thrive in leadership and civic engagement.
Speaking at her first Ramadan Lecture and Iftar programme under the auspices of the Rinsola Abiola Foundation, she assured young people that President Tinubu remains dedicated to fostering youth participation in governance and national development.
Abiola, who hosted the event in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, noted that youth development is a priority for the current administration, adding that measures are being taken to ensure that young people are well-represented in leadership at all levels.
She assured that grassroots consultations were being planned to ensure that the voices of young Nigerians are adequately captured in national decision-making processes.
“”Leadership is not just about titles or political positions; it is about service. Every young person here today has the capacity to influence their community positively.”
“We must begin to see ourselves as problem-solvers and agents of change,” she stated.
The event had in attendance, Islamic Scholars, political associates, various political groups which included the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Adijat Adeleye, the state organizing secretary, Mr Yemi Adelani (Igwe) APC Abeokuta North local government Chairman, Alhaja Faidat Akintunde-Sarumi amongst others.
Rinsola Abiola while speaking at the lecture, expressed deep concern in the spiritual benefits of engaging in acts of worship and charity during Ramadan.
She reminded attendees of the increased rewards for good deeds during the holy month and encouraged them to make the most of the last ten days.
Also speaking on the foundation, she said “the Rinsola Abiola Foundation was established in 2019 as a social impact-driven non-profit organization, primarily for Ogun State. It is the platform through which I support causes that matter to me in our dear state, such as women’s empowerment and youth development.”
“We have so far impacted hundreds of Ogun state indigenes and residents through business grants and scholarships, and while today’s engagement would be the first religion-themed program, it is taking place as part of efforts to foster community and develop our youth.”
“We settled on the idea of a lecture and iftar during the holy month of Ramadan, as it would provide an excellent opportunity not just to host young people, but also to explore Islamic perspectives on youth development and the broader topic of leadership.”
“This is because religion remains the ultimate guide for mankind; it is thus key that we strive to understand the divine requirements for conducting our affairs as leaders and as young people.”
While delivering a lecture titled, “Islamic perspectives on youths development and leadership, Chief Imam Egba Gbagura, Sheikh Kalmadeen Balogun, who was represented by Imam Mudashiru Abdl Rasheed underscored the intersection of faith, leadership, and youth development, reinforcing the importance of proactive engagement in national development efforts
