The maiden edition of the Model National Youth Conference organised by The Vale College, Ibadan was held at The Development Support Centre, Ibadan, on Friday November 1st, 2019.
Dumebi Ehigiator, PRO of the Local Organizing Committee, opened the event by welcoming everyone to the conference. The opening prayer was taken by Dr Kemi Fadipe.
In her welcome address, Mrs Funso Adegbola, Director of The Vale College, stated the event that inspired her to gather young minds, who will provide adequate opportunities for skill-building and ensure a brighter future for everyone around them.
This conference is tagged, ‘Resolving the National Development Question’, and for us at TVC, it is about Nigerian children learning about our country, Nigeria, the 36 states (each delegate represents a different state from their own state origin) and the Federal Capital Territory
She said the youth would identify the major problems in their states: education, health, security, governance etc and offer solutions, stressing that most of the youth are unaware the challenges around them.
After commending the organising committee, which was headed by Messrs Akanbi, Oladimeji and Olatunji, she warmly welcomed the Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, and an alumnus of The Vale College to the conference.
In his speech, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin emphasised that knowledge could only grow through curiosity, imagination and learning. He noted that past and recent progresses made in the world had happened as a result of knowledge. He stressed however that knowledge was not being used to make the life of Nigerians better.
He commended the Director of The Vale College for hosting the conference, and encouraged the delegates to enjoy the sessions. He said that education was the only way Nigeria can get to its desired level.
He reminded the delegates that he is the youngest Speaker ever elected into the Oyo State House of Assembly, and that he is happy to be working with a governor who is willing to spend more than 10% of the state’s budget on education. He wished all participants a memorable event.
The opening ceremony was highlighted with the exceptional performance of The Round Table, anchored by the co-convener, Miss Yetunde Ojebola and the panelists were: Yewande Akinola, Barr. Kayode Adegbola, Mr. Faith Abiodun and Mrs Zahra Zakariya Abdulkareem
The highlight of the conference was the presentation of Rising Star Awards to Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, for his exceptional work in developing his constituency and being an inspiration to many; and the second award was presented to Mrs Zahra Zakariya Abdulkareem for her outstanding work as a business strategist, content creator and social entrepreneur.
