By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Prince Henry Akinyele, Mobolaji Ogunlende and Halilu Awesu |
The Lagos Commissioner or Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, has emphasized the transformative power of volunteerism, describing it as a selfless act driven by passion and commitment to community development.
He made these remarks during the investiture ceremony of Awesu Halilu as the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for District 9111, held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Ogunlende, a strong advocate for youth empowerment, shared his personal journey, revealing how his dedication to community service paved the way for his current role as commissioner. "Volunteerism is community service; it is selfless service done with passion," he stated. "Today, I am the commissioner, but how did I get here? Through community service and volunteerism.
You never know who is watching, but your passion must come from within." His words resonated deeply with the young audience, inspiring them to take volunteerism seriously as a pathway to success.
The commissioner also highlighted the achievements of the newly inaugurated DRR, Awesu Halilu, who hails from Badagry. "If he could rise to this position from Badagry, then no youth in the metropolis has any excuse," Ogunlende declared.
He urged young people to be intentional about personal development, stressing that volunteerism could elevate them to greater heights. "It must be deliberate. It must be intentional. The rewards will come," he assured.
In his acceptance speech, DRR Awesu Halilu outlined his vision for the Rotary year, focusing on youth empowerment and skill acquisition. "I will use this platform to reach out to young people who need skills and engage them in societal development," he said. Halilu emphasized the importance of volunteerism in building a developed community and providing opportunities for youths to showcase their leadership abilities.
Prince Henry Olubowale Akinyele, the District Governor of Rotary Club of Maryland, Ikeja, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of nurturing Rotaractors into future Rotarians. "Rotarians are built from Rotaractors," he said. "With such dedicated youths transitioning into Rotarians, we can expect a significant improvement in community development." His remarks reinforced the need for sustained youth engagement in service-oriented initiatives.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the impact of volunteerism on personal and societal growth. As Hon. Ogunlende and other leaders continue to champion youth involvement in community service, the message is clear: selfless service, driven by passion, can unlock doors to unimaginable opportunities. For young Nigerians seeking a path to success, volunteerism may just be the key.