The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Osun State Chapter, Comr. Akinbode Olakolupo, popularly known as OmoAkin, has commended the member representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, for his commitment to youth development through the BS-E4 Teenagers Leadership Bootcamp.
The NYCN Chairman described the initiative as a commendable investment in the next generation, noting that leadership development should begin early by exposing young people to knowledge, values, mentorship and practical life experiences.
According to him, the bootcamp goes beyond academic learning by helping teenagers develop critical thinking, leadership skills, financial awareness, ethics and a stronger sense of responsibility.
OmoAkin particularly praised Rep. Salam for personally anchoring a session on critical thinking, describing his direct involvement as a demonstration of commitment to preparing young people for the future.
The NYCN Chairman said the inclusion of sessions on financial management, ethics, gender awareness and leadership was important in helping teenagers develop the knowledge and values required to navigate society responsibly.
“Leadership is not something we should begin to teach young people only when they are already adults. The values, discipline, critical thinking and sense of responsibility that shape good leaders can be developed from the teenage years,” OmoAkin said.
He urged other elected representatives across Osun State, particularly members of the National Assembly, to take a cue from initiatives such as the BS-E4 Teenagers Leadership Bootcamp and demonstrate stronger commitment to youth development within their constituencies.
OmoAkin challenged representatives to look beyond political activities and election-season engagements by creating sustainable programmes that provide young people with access to mentorship, skills, education, entrepreneurship, leadership development and other opportunities.
“Rep. Bamidele Salam has shown one practical example of what constituency representation can mean for the younger generation. I want other representatives in Osun State to see this as a challenge. Our young people are watching, and they deserve to see deliberate investments in their future.
“Representation should not only be about roads, infrastructure or physical projects. We must also invest in human beings. A young person whose mind, skills and capacity are developed today can become an asset to the community for decades to come,” he added.
The NYCN Chairman stressed that youth development should be treated as a shared responsibility among government, elected representatives, traditional institutions, the private sector and civil society.
He commended Rep. Salam and the organisers of the BS-E4 Teenagers Leadership Bootcamp for bringing together experienced facilitators, traditional leadership and young scholars in an environment focused on learning and personal development.
OmoAkin expressed hope that the lessons from the bootcamp would continue to influence the participants long after the programme, encouraging them to become responsible citizens and future leaders who will contribute positively to their communities and the country.
He reaffirmed the commitment of NYCN Osun to supporting initiatives that promote meaningful youth engagement, leadership development, education and empowerment across the state.