The 10th edition of the Osun Youth Ambassador Award (OYAA) held on Sunday at Adolak Event Centre, Osogbo, brought together traditional rulers, government officials, media executives, and entrepreneurs in celebration of youth excellence and community impact.
His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, the Olowu of Kuta, led a distinguished royal delegation to the event to honour and support Aminat Ajibola, President of the Youth Reformer Initiative and convener of OYAA.
The landmark event marked a decade of consistent recognition of youth excellence in Osun State, celebrating 17 exceptional young achievers whose works continue to advance development in the state and across Nigeria. This year also witnessed the unveiling of the “Emergency Food Relief” initiative, a humanitarian project aimed at providing food support to less privileged residents.
In his royal remarks, Oba Makama praised the resilience and ingenuity of the younger generation, urging them to remain focused on building an Osun anchored on integrity, hard work, and innovation. The monarch’s presence, along with his entourage, underscored the traditional institution’s growing support for youth-driven development and grassroots empowerment.
Chairman of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA), Mukhtar Ajelogbon, lauded the convener for her vision and commitment to youth advancement. “The Osun Online Publishers Association is proud of Aminat Ajibola, popularly known as Amiloaded,” he said. “She has been a source of inspiration and a catalyst for progress within both the media and youth development sectors.”
In her address, Ajibola expressed appreciation to the royal father, dignitaries, and partners who have consistently supported the initiative over the years. She explained that OYAA was created to celebrate hard work, integrity, and youth enterprise, emphasizing that each recognition serves as motivation for more impactful service to society.
“Ten years ago, we started with a simple goal, to recognize, reward, and inspire young people driving positive change. Today, that vision has grown into a movement that motivates Osun youths to believe in themselves and contribute meaningfully to development,” she stated.
The well-attended event featured cultural performances, award presentations, and goodwill messages highlighting the importance of synergy between youth and traditional institutions in building a prosperous Osun.
As OYAA marks its 10th anniversary, the celebration not only honoured achievements but also reignited a shared resolve to sustain a progressive and united Osun, where youth innovation, patriotism, and resilience continue to shape the state’s future.
The milestone event, endorsed by individuals, organisations, and professional bodies including OOPA, reaffirmed a timeless truth: when young people are celebrated, communities are transformed.
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