By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Aholu Henwa of Kweme Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Sejiro Olalekan Ogunbe James, and Ajande Pascal |
BADAGRY, Lagos – The ancient Kweme Kingdom in Badagry was filled with palpable excitement and pride as the community rolled out the drums to celebrate one of their own, Ajande Pascal Viweavo, for his outstanding representation of Lagos State at a prestigious international youth program in Toronto, Canada.
The celebratory event, held at the palace of the Aholu Henwa of Kweme Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Sejiro Olalekan Ogunbe James, was attended by high chiefs, community elders, and a vibrant crowd of youths, all eager to honour their international ambassador.
In his address, the revered monarch declared Pascal’s achievement a monumental source of pride not just for Kweme Kingdom but for the entire Badagry federation. He stated that the young man’s emergence as one of the top performers at the global event is a powerful testament to his dedication, hard work, and intellectual prowess.
“We have watched Pascal’s activities and growth even before his recommendation for this international program,” HRM Oba James recalled. “His excellence did not come as a surprise to us, and we are supremely confident that this is just the beginning. He will continue to soar and make us proud on even larger stages.”
The Aholu of Kweme also took a moment to shower encomiums on the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende Abubakre, applauding his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment across Lagos State, with a special focus on the Badagry West region.
The monarch specifically praised the commissioner for his instrumental role in supporting Ajande Pascal, highlighting his efforts in projecting talented youths from the division onto the global map.
Echoing the king’s view, the Kweme Youth Leader, Usman Raji, stood before the assembly to reaffirm Commissioner Ogunlende’s status as a silent pillar of support for the community’s youth.
“Mr. Ogunlende has been a silent benefactor to countless young people here,” Raji testified. “Beyond the spotlight, he has personally assisted over 50 students with JAMB and GCE forms, asking for nothing in return and seeking no publicity. His empowerment initiatives are genuine and life-changing.”
The man of the hour, Ajande Pascal Viweavo, expressed profound gratitude during his remarks. He dedicated his success to the unwavering support of his community and specifically thanked Commissioner Mobolaji Ogunlende for his consistent encouragement and belief in his potential.
“I am immensely grateful for this recognition from my king and my people. This achievement is for all of us,” Pascal stated. “I also extend my deepest thanks to the Commissioner for Youth, Mr. Ogunlende, for his support. I pledge to continue to be a worthy ambassador of Kweme Kingdom and Lagos State wherever I go.”
The celebration marks a significant moment for the community, underscoring the powerful results of combining individual ambition with supportive leadership and community encouragement.