Hon. Seun Oguniyi Speaks At Muktar Shagaya Parliamentary Summit Organised By KWASU Students

On Saturday, 10th of May 2025, the Kwara State House of Assembly Member representing Ojomu Balogun Constituency, Honorable Seun Oguniyi attended the Kwara State University (KWASU) Students’ Parliamentary Summit in honour of Hon Muktar Shagaya. The lawmaker had the privilege of double hatting at the event, first as the keynote speaker and secondly as the representative of the Special Guest of Honour who was the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi.

Hon. Seun Oguniyi delivered the goodwill and best wishes of Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi to the management, staff, and students of Kwara State University and also to the distinguished honouree of the day Hon Muktar Shagaya before proceeding to deliver his keynote address on the theme — Youth Leadership and Democratic Governance: Building the Future Today.

According to him, “I x-rayed three key concepts around the theme. The first being Youth Leadership. This I argue to be about empowering young people to take on leadership roles in their communities, schools, and political environment, providing them with capacity-building opportunities through education and mentorship. With this, they can make informed decisions and lead effectively. Secondly, Democratic Governance, this I opine to be about fostering inclusive decision-making processes within a transparent and accountable context where all citizens, including youth, have a say. Thirdly, Building the Future Today, this I referred to as a call for decisive and urgent action now rather than wait for future generations to take leadership.

While delivering the address, he highlighted the paradigm shift of youth participation in politics under the watch of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who according to Hon. Oguniyi has consistently provided ample opportunities for young people to take on leadership positions in the state. He added that that Kwara is perhaps the most youth friendly state in Nigeria. He equally shared the story of the impact of Hon Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu at the Kwara State House of Assembly, who is a sterling and classical example of youth participation in democratic governance. He drew the curtains on his address by commending the Student Representative Council of KWASU and the management of the University for endorsing the choice of Hon Muktar Shagaya as the honouree of the event.

“The honouree is a good ambassador of the youth who has been active in and out of the legislative chamber where he represents the people of Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency and indeed all the youth of this country so proudly.” He said

His keynote address was concluded by urging for the following call to action:

1. Build robust youth leadership training programs in schools, communities, and political parties.

2. Create opportunities to institutionalize youth quotas.

3. Support civic, socio, and political initiatives that are youth inclined.

4. Challenge the youth to use social media responsibly.

5. Mentor the youth to be responsible social actors, demonstrating civility, decorum, and constructive engagement so they truly earn the respect they desire.

The summit was well attended by the students of KWASU and other sister institutions in Kwara State. The Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Prof Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, who was the Chief Host, led other senior leadership and management staff of the institution to grace the parliamentary summit. Other dignitaries in attendance includes: The Honouree of the Summit, Hon Muktar Shagaya, member of the National Assembly representing Ilorin West/ Asa Constituency; Hon Chief Ayanshola Lawal representing Ipaye/ Malete/ Oloru State Constituency; Hon Salami Wasiu Onidugbe, Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs to the Governor of Kwara State; Hon Tade Shittu, Senior Special Assistant on GIS to the Kwara State Governor. The students were Ieft in a joyous and excited mood as I motivated and encouraged them to take the leadership journey.