Okemesi Youths Rally for Digital Empowerment and Good Governance
The political and socio-economic landscape of Ekiti-West Local Government Area witnessed a major boost as the Think Advancement CBM Support Group, operating under the institutional umbrella of the Community Development & Empowerment Initiative (TAIEF), successfully hosted a high-impact youth convergence and community outreach program in Okemesi.
The landmark event, held on September 26, 2026, at the FOIU Building in Okemesi-Ekiti, was themed “Uniting Young Minds for Skills, Leadership and Community Development.” It drew an enthusiastic crowd of secondary school students, tertiary students, post-tertiary graduates, community leaders, and youth advocates—all rallying under the progressive ideals of the City Boy Movement (CBM).
Honoring Leadership and Collaborative Vision
In his official appreciation message, the convener and host, Honorable Ibidiran Samuel Kayode (Samfocus)—Member Representing Ekiti West Constituency II at the Ekiti State Youth Parliament (5th Assembly)—sincerely thanked everyone who contributed to the immense success of the convergence.
Adding immense inspiration to the event, the Grand Patron of Think Advancement CBM, Dr. Tai Oguntayo, sent a powerful goodwill message to all participants, charging them to embrace purposeful leadership and active civic participation.
Special recognition and deep appreciation were also extended to distinguished guest speakers and leaders, including:
Rt. Hon. Tijesu Daniel Babatunde (ACA) – Speaker, Ekiti State Youth Parliament (5th Assembly)
Abimbola Ajoke Otegbeye – Chairperson and Project Coordinator, Think Advancement Initiative Empowerment Foundation (TAIEF)
Rt. Hon. Fortunate Oloruntimilehn – Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State Youth Parliament
Adeyemi Ebenezer – Representing the NYC Ekiti West Chapter
The host expressed profound gratitude to community leaders, participating elders, youth and student leaders, volunteers, and all guests for making the program a memorable milestone.
Keynote Address: Uniting Young Minds
Delivering her keynote address, the Chairperson and Project Coordinator of TAIEF, Abimbola Ajoke Otegbeye, underscored that the future of any society is built on the practical capacity, resilience, and unity of its young people rather than certificates alone.
Key highlights from the keynote address included:
Shifting from Consumers to Creators: Highlighting that while educational systems often prepare youth to look for jobs, true power in the modern global economy belongs to problem solvers.
Skills & Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age: Emphasizing how digital literacy and technology level the playing field, enabling young people with a smartphone and internet connection to build global solutions while uplifting their local communities.
Leadership Without Titles: Reminding participants that real leadership starts by taking responsibility for one’s immediate environment and refusing to remain passive bystanders.
Embracing Failure as Data: Encouraging youth never to fear making mistakes, but to view them as iterative data to build, test, and adapt.
(Presentation slides can be viewed via the official TAIEF Event Page).
Palace Solidarity Visit and ICT Center Tour
As part of the program’s dynamic itinerary, the executive team and participants embarked on an inspection tour of the Ultra-Modern Okemesi ICT Center, a state-of-the-art technological facility established by former Ekiti State Attorney-General, Wale Fapohunda, SAN. The leadership lauded the initiative, noting that the center will serve as an anchor for the group’s digital literacy objectives.
Demonstrating deep respect for traditional institutions, the delegation paid a royal visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, JP, CON, Arinyowonye II of Okemesi Land. The esteemed paramount ruler pledged continual support, offering royal blessings and a robust endorsement for the group’s grassroots development and youth empowerment agenda.
Harnessing Tech and Innovation for Sustainable Growth
The socioeconomic challenges of coming decades cannot be solved using 20th-century tools. Digital transformation, food security, and modern innovation demand an agile, tech-forward governance mindset.
Across the region, practical platforms are already bridging the digital divide. Organizations like TAIEF actively drive youth advancement through specialized advanced IT training and business development programs across Lagos and Ekiti States. Stakeholders, partners, and well-meaning individuals are strongly encouraged to leverage and support the opportunities provided by TAIEF at www.taief.com.ng, opening doors for digital inclusion and economic self-reliance.
Free ICT Rollout, Strategic Partnerships, and Call to Action
Capitalizing on the overwhelming reception, the Think Advancement CBM Support Group announced an immediate rollout of free community empowerment tech training programs, featuring:
Free AI Training for Kids & Youths: Equipping the younger generation with foundational artificial intelligence and digital literacy skills.
Business Ideation & Digital Workshops: Helping aspiring entrepreneurs and women integrate modern tech tools into business growth.
Advanced Coding & Robotics: Hands-on technical training for intermediate coders focusing on hardware-software solutions.
Organizers noted that this gathering firmly reinforced the truth that when young minds unite with purpose, meaningful development becomes possible. To scale these initiatives across Ekiti-West and beyond, the group remains open to collaborations with corporate bodies, government agencies, and progressive leaders.
All sons and daughters of Okemesi and Ido-Ile are warmly encouraged to reach out to the team via WhatsApp at 09161593900 for free registration or support. Registration can also be completed directly through the TAIEF Registration Portal.
The outreach culminated in a massive surge in membership, with numerous attendees formally joining ward-level structures, setting a formidable pace for grassroots mobilization and political engagement.
