Oyo State Youth Award: ‘I was cruelly cheated,’ – Young man alleges
Khalid ABRAHAM
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A young man Abiodun Adediran has alleged that he was “unfairly treated” at the just concluded Oyo State Youth Summit that featured awards in different categories.
Adediran from Ogbomoso claimed he carried the day according to the number of votes garnered in the Governance Category of the Award but that the second placed person, one Dikko Salami, was bestowed the gong.
“I am reaching out to you in respect of the recently concluded Oyo State Youth Award where I was unfairly treated,” Adediran makes such serious allegation in a WhatsApp message to ogbomosoinsightonline.com. ‘Despite garnering 1,509 votes (36%) in the Governance category, the award was given to my closest contender with 1,138 votes (27%) without justification.”
He then pleaded, ‘I seek your support in amplifying our voice to ensure fairness and transparency in future endeavors. This would be instrumental in bringing this matter to the attention of the relevant authorities.”
The “victim” thus wants “such irregularities” he said “marred the award process be addressed by carrying out a review,’ averring that “such step would protect the rights of young innocent persons and will help to restore the dignity and integrity of the Award.”
“Youths are the leaders of tomorrow and we should be guided by honesty and truthfulness and be guarded against frauds so we will respect the system and have highest regards for it. Exposing and making us suffer such malevolence is imbuing us with the wrong values. This isn’t just about me; it’s about ensuring equity and fairness for youths who deserve better representation.’
He adds a hashtag: “#JusticeForAbiodun #EquityForOgbomosoYouths #FairnessInAwards #SupportForTheVoiceless.”
The event tagged “Youth Summit,” is an initiative of the Oyo state government coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The 2025 edition between April 29 and 30, with the theme, “Unlocking youth potential: Addressing needs, fulfilling needs,” held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan (the grand finale) was attended and addressed by the state governor Engr. Seyi Makinde.
The two-day event featured various activities including sensitisation on drug abuse across the geopolitical zones of the state, panel discussion, networking opportunities, career development and award ceremony.
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In the light of such serious allegation, the “relevant authorities” needs to look into the concern raised in the spirit of fairness to protect the integrity of the laudable programme.
