The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, has charged young people to embrace continuous self-development, integrity, service and commitment to community growth as essential qualities for effective leadership and nation-building.
The monarch gave the charge while speaking during a session titled “Lessons from Our Generation to Yours” at the 2026 BS-E4 Teenagers’ Leadership Bootcamp, holding at Camp Young, Ede, Osun State.
Addressing more than 200 young participants, Oba Abolarin urged them to prepare themselves for the responsibilities of leadership, stressing that the future they often hear about is already here.
“You are taking over from us, and we need to prepare you effectively for those challenges. Yours is a resilient generation, and you have to think of the future, and the future is here already,” he said.
The traditional ruler used his personal journey as an example of the importance of preparing ahead for opportunities and responsibilities.
He explained that he obtained degrees in Political Science before returning to university to study Law, eventually attending the Nigerian Law School and becoming a lawyer, long before he ascended the throne.
“I have a degree in Political Science and an M.Sc. in Political Science before I went back to school to study Law, went to Law School and became a lawyer because that was my dream from the beginning.
“I didn’t gather all this educational attainment to become a King, but I had already prepared myself before kingship met me. All we are saying is to build yourself for your future,” he said.
Quoting the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the monarch said, “Only the deep can call to the deep.”
Oba Abolarin told the teenagers that their participation in the leadership bootcamp was an indication that they were already taking steps towards making a meaningful impact.
Speaking on the growing trend of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of opportunities abroad, popularly referred to as “Japa,” the monarch urged the participants to see Nigeria’s challenges as a call to contribute to the country’s development.
“Nation-building is not something you achieve overnight. Every nation faces its problems, but in our country, people are Japaing every day.
“Nigeria is blessed with so many riches, and it is you, our children, who can revive it and bring this country to where it is supposed to be,” he said.
Oba Abolarin also encouraged the participants to build meaningful relationships, network with one another and develop values that would remain important throughout their lives.
“To my children here, network among yourselves and make friends, because you are ready to take over from us in every aspect of life.
“Money will come and go, but your honesty, dedication and commitment to self and community development will remain with you.
“Build yourself, make sacrifices and cultivate the spirit of service to humanity,” he charged.
The BS-E4 Teenagers’ Leadership Bootcamp 2026, which commenced on Monday, September 28, will run until Friday, October 2, 2026, at Camp Young, Ede, under the theme: “Empowering the Next Generation of Responsible, Tech-Savvy, and Impact-Driven Leaders.”