Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo, the Oyo south senatorial candidate of Allied Peoples' Movement (APM), has praised the Students' Union Government (SUG) and the Students' Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Ibadan for promoting legislative excellence, intellectual engagement, and leadership development among students. He made this commendation at the Odidiomo Students' Legislative Summit, organized by the SRC at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The summit, themed "The Service Paradigm: Transforming Mindsets for Service Driven Leadership in Nigeria," was described by Odidiomo as a commendable initiative that highlights the University of Ibadan's tradition of intellectual excellence. He emphasized that platforms exposing students to legislative processes and public leadership are crucial in preparing the next generation of Nigerian leaders. Odidiomo, who has consistently supported youth development initiatives, views student leadership as a vital training ground for public service and democratic participation.
Odidiomo urged the University of Ibadan student leadership to continue creating opportunities for constructive debate, accountability, and policy engagement. He stressed that leadership should be measured by the value created for the people being served, not by visibility or prestige attached to office. According to him, the true measure of leadership is the public value created through the exercise of responsibility. He encouraged student leaders to assess the problems they are solving, who benefits from their decisions, and how outcomes can be sustained beyond their tenure.
The lawmaker also spoke on the changing demands of leadership in a technology-driven society, challenging students to acquire skills beyond their academic disciplines. He emphasized the importance of understanding technological forces reshaping society, such as artificial intelligence, digital platforms, cybersecurity, and data. Odidiomo urged students to replace entitlement with responsibility and personal interest with public interest, stressing that a 21st-century economy cannot be built with a 20th-century mindset.
Odidiomo sponsored the summit with N50 million and pledged his continued support for initiatives promoting student development, leadership capacity, and meaningful engagement. He described the University of Ibadan students as an important part of Nigeria's future leadership pool. The SUG and SRC were commended for using the summit to promote conversations around public service and responsible leadership.
Odidiomo encouraged participants to apply the lessons learned beyond the conference hall, emphasizing that the task is not simply to produce more leaders but to produce better servants for the public good. He believes that Nigeria's future will be built by young citizens who practice leadership as service, starting from wherever they are.
The event had in attendance several notable figures, including Ibarapa-North/Ibarapa-Central APM candidate, Dr. Adebayo Adepoju; Director, Youth Mobilization, Odidiomo Campaign Organization, Hon. Seun Fakorede; Chairman, Oyo state Gaming Board, Hon. Jide Boladuro; and Director, Youth Mobilization, Bimbo Adekanmbi Campaign Organization, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa.
Key points
- Odidiomo commends UI's SUG and SRC for promoting legislative excellence among students.
- The summit aimed to promote conversations around public service and responsible leadership.
- Odidiomo pledged N50 million to sponsor the summit and promised continued support for student development initiatives.
