The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Youth Development, Comrade Olamide Lawal, has faulted critics of the guard of honour mounted for Mr. Seyi Tinubu when he visited Ogun State recently.
Lawal who is also the National President, All Progressives Congress (APC)Youth League, said the group that mounted the guard of honour for the President’s son to receive him in the state were not members of the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel.
Noting that some Nigerians engage in misguided criticisms out of ignorance, he explained that the event was organised by the CityBoy Movement, a group which the august visitor himself coordinates, stressing that the group seeks to empower youths in the Gateway State.
Clarifying this in a release made available to The Daily Crucible, Lawal said the body is affiliated to the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), adding that it is also a disciplined – based organisation similar to the Boys Scouts and Boys Brigade.
According to him, it is a common practice among such groups, to honour personalities and use them as a tool inspire other young ones to aim higher in life.
He said it was unfortunate that some individuals were attempting to twist the matter into a negative narrative for petty political reasons.
He said, “As a concerned citizen and Youth Advocate in Ogun State, who works closely with Governor Dapo Abiodun , I am compelled to respond to the recent criticisms surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s attendance at a youth summit/empowerment scheme in Ogun State.
“The event, organized by the CityBoy Movement, which Seyi Tinubu coordinates, was aimed at empowering young people in the state.
“Contrary to the misleading narrative being peddled by some critics, the paramilitary group that mounted a guard of honour for Mr. Seyi Tinubu were not Nigerian Armed Forces personnel, but rather members of the Cadet Network-Nigeria, Ogun State Command, which is affiliated to the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN). This is a disciplined based organization similar to the Boys Scouts and Boys Brigade. It is a very common practice among such groups, to honour personalities and use them as a tool inspire other young people to aim higher. However, it is unfortunate that some individuals are attempting to twist this into a negative narrative for petty political reasons.
“It is essential to recognize that Seyi Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment and development is genuine and commendable. In this empowerment alone, hundreds of young people were empowered with different start ups with an individual going home with five hundred thousand naira to support their small scale business. This is a landmark event championed by our own son of the soil who works with the President as his Personal Assistant on Special Duties, Kamar Yusuf.
“Rather than attempting to tarnish Seyi Tinubu’s image with baseless insinuations, we should be focusing on supporting and encouraging his efforts to make a positive impact in our communities. As a society, we should be promoting a culture of empathy, understanding, and constructive criticism, rather than spreading misinformation and negativity.
“I urge all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the misleading narrative surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s event in Ogun State and instead focus on supporting his commendable efforts to empower young people and promote positive change in our society,” he stated.
