There was general excitement in Iseyin Community yesterday when the youths embarked on fitness race and walked across some selected places in the town.
The marathon race which started at Aseyin Palace, OJaba at exactly 7:30am on Monday, 26th of December 2023 had participants drawn from various areas and towns in Iseyin Local Government Council.
The race started from Aseyin Palace, Ojaba and ended with a final destination at Technical College, Oluwole.
The President of Iseyin Youth Development Group, Babajide Oniyo while giving his opening remark said, the programme was organised purposely to sensitize the youths on the need to be responsible in their youthfulness and ensure they abide by the truth for the betterment of the society.
“Last year when we held this marathon race, we focused our attention on general election and we held lecture to sensitize the youths on their role as stakeholder. This year, we have come with a lecture that focuses on the development of Iseyin as the city continues to expand. The theme tagged: “The emerging role of youths as Iseyin expands” to be delivered by our amiable lecturer, Dr. Ridwan Bello.
“It’s our hope that the race is going to serve as an avenue to remind the youths of their values and their responsibilities in the peaceful growth and serenity of Iseyin and the country at large. It will also serve as an extracurricular activity for students and youths and promote cordial relationship among them. Furthermore, it will further project Iseyin Local government in high stance amongst its contemporaries in Oke-Ogun. It’s our great hope that subsequent ones will boost Iseyin economy and reputation as the race will be opened to the entire Oke -Ogun for participation”.
He equally charged all stakeholders to ensure that they continually support the scheme as they hope to expand the scope of the marathon to cover Nigeria in future.
He therefore commended Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola III, other notable indigenes of Iseyin and the entire members of the Committee for their support towards the realization of the programme.
Dr. Ridwan Bello who delivered lecture at the programme, affirmed that the development of any town solely lies in the resilience of the youths and called on youths to brace up for the challenges that may surface while the community continues to develop.
He highlighted the roles of youths in the development of the nation while charging community leaders to ensure they give chance to them in order to deploy their potentials for overall development of the society.
He enjoined all political and community leaders to begin massive investment in youths and fix them in appropriate places where they can harness their potentials for the development of the town.
He also used the occasion to spell out some areas where youths are needed and specific tasks that could be assigned to them.
The Marathon race was graced by several stakeholders which included by Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola III, Olori of Aseyin, Yeye Oba, Ikolaba of Iseyin, High Chief Tikalosoro, representative of Hon. Tosin Peller, among several others.