The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja has advised youth in the country to shun any act of thuggery, hooliganism and brigandage capable of endangering their lives.
Ambassador Arapaja stated this shortly after receiving an award of excellence bestowed on him by the Arapaja Youth Forum, Idi-Arere/Kudeti area, Ibadan yesterday.
Arapaja who was represented by the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism and Baameto Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige said that the era whereby the youths are being used as agents of destruction by some unscrupulous elements is gradually fading away since Governor Seyi Makinde came on board.
He said what the youth need now is little encouragement by those in power to exhibit their God given talents for the progress and development of their community, the state and the country as a whole.
He said that he was happy that the negative story about Kudeti area which is tagged as haven for harbouring some notorious youth known as ‘one million boys’ is being changed for positive now with the way Governor Makinde has been handling the issue of insecurity in the State.
He commended the Arapaja Youth Forum, Idi Arere/Kudeti community for recognizing his contributions to the growth of Ibadan and Oyo State stressing that the award would go a long way in motivating him to do more.
He, however, dedicated the said award to the late Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji (Aje Ogunguniso 1), stressing that this was as a result of peace and tranquility Ibadan witnessed during the reign of the late monarch.
The Chairman of the forum,Mr Badmus explained that they chose Ambassador Arapaja for the said award for always contributing meaningfully to the development of the community and its environs whenever the need arises which is a pointer to the fact that he did not disconnect himself from the community despite having his office in Abuja.
Others who are also in attendance at the event include Hon. Fatai Adesina, Sunday Babatunde (a k.a. Omo yin), Modiu Alabamusa, Morufu Yoboro, Hon. Afeez Kure, Hon. Wasiu Olabanji and Alhaji Busari Olasupo.
