In this Interview with Oludotun Ajibola, the President of Ibadan Youth Indigenes, Ojekunle Wasiu, speaks about the efforts of the association in advocating for a peaceful co-existence among residents of Ibadanland among others. Excerpts:
Can we meet you?
I am Eniyi Ojekunle Wasiu, the President of Ibadan Youth Indigenes (IYI) formerly known as the Integrity Youths of Ibadan land. I am a graduate of History and International Relations from the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti. I am also a Surveyor Technician.
What does IYI stand for?
It is an honorable group that advocates for honorable and peaceful living in Ibadan land. The association aims at complementing the efforts of Ibadan Chiefs to have a progressive Ibadan city that is free from hooliganism and thuggery. We are advocating for a peaceful Ibadan land that is violence-free and a city that can compete with other developed places like Cairo and Johannesburg among others.
What is the actual plan of the Association towards advocating for peace in Ibadan land?
Across board, the matter of insecurity is worrisome and it calls for concerted effort of every stakeholder to be an advocate of peace in Ibadan land. Youths form a larger population in Nigeria and we are collaborating with other stakeholders to promote peace in city of Ibadan. We are planning a program tagged ‘Society, Security and Youths’ scheduled to hold on the 28th day of November, 2021 at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. The program is geared towards achieving a reformed, rehabilitated social order and relative peace in Ibadan, Oyo State. There will be no development in Ibadanland if Nigeria is not developed. A developed nation is measured on good governance and I believe that the objective of good governance is in three broad categories which are constitutional order, security and welfare of the masses. Citizens of Nigeria must enjoy dividends of democracy and that is why we are creating synergy with all stakeholders to advocate for peace and social order in Ibadanland. We are expecting many dignitaries and security expert to grace the occasion including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Professor Remi Raji, and Engineer Dotun Sanusi of Ilaji Farms among others. All hands must be on deck to achieve a secure and violence free society.
Is the Association planning to metamorphose into a political party?
The association has no intended plan of becoming a political party now or in the near future. We are a peer group and we exist for the common good of Ibadan land both home and abroad. Though some political groups have approached us to act as machinery but we declined their offer as it is not part of our mission and vision. Our vision is aimed at good governance at all levels.
What is your advice for the Nigerian youths?
For any youth to be resourceful, they must avoid the philosophy of get rich quick syndrome. I will urge them to be educated, and be self-reliant in order not to be a threat to the society. They must avoid complacency and have good philosophy about life. The association is for every interested member and indigenes of Ibadanland.
