Rekindling Hope, Celebrating Impact: How the 10th OYAA Inspires a New Vision for Osun’s Future

 

_...as Olowu of Kuta leads Royal delegation to celebrate Osun Youths_

_...Youth Reformer Initiative unveils Emergency Food Relief for less privileged residents_

His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, the Olowu of Kuta-Kuta Kingdom, on Sunday, led a royal delegation to the 10th edition of the Osun Youth Ambassador Award (OYAA), held at Adolak Event Centre, Osogbo, to honour and support the President of the Youth Reformer Initiative, Aminat Ajibola, who also doubles as the Convener of OYAA.

The epoch-making event marked a decade of consistent recognition of youth excellence in Osun State, spotlighting young achievers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to societal growth, leadership, and innovation. This year’s edition honoured 17 outstanding youths whose works continue to contribute significantly to the development of Osun State and Nigeria at large. It also unveiled a new initiative tagged "Emergency Food Relief" to support the less privileged Osun residents.

In his royal presence and remarks, Oba Makama commended the resilience and creativity of the young generation, urging them to remain steadfast in pursuing integrity-driven progress. The monarch’s attendance, alongside his entourage, underscored the traditional institution’s growing recognition of youth initiatives and grassroots empowerment.

Chairman of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA), Mukhtar Ajelogbon, expressed delight over the milestone and applauded the convener who is a pioneer member of OOPA for her visionary leadership 

“The Osun Online Publishers Association is proud of Aminat Ajibola, popularly known as Amiloaded,” he said. “She has been instrumental to our collective progress and remains a pillar of inspiration within the media and youth development space. This event reflects her enduring commitment to service, excellence, and the empowerment of others.”

The convener, Aminat Ajibola, in her address, appreciated the royal father, dignitaries, and partners who have stood by the initiative over the years. She emphasized that OYAA was founded to celebrate hard work, integrity, and the spirit of youth enterprise, adding that the recognition of young achievers serves as both motivation and responsibility to do more for the state and society.

“Ten years ago, we began this journey with a simple vision, to recognize, reward, and inspire young people who are driving positive change. Today, that vision has grown into a movement that continues to motivate youths across Osun State to believe in themselves and contribute meaningfully to development,” Ajibola noted.

The event was well attended by government officials, media executives, entrepreneurs. It featured cultural performances, award presentations, and goodwill messages that highlighted the importance of collaboration between the youth and traditional institutions in building a stronger state.

As the OYAA clocked a decade, the ceremony not only celebrated achievements but also reignited the collective commitment toward a progressive Osun, where youth resourcefulness, innovation, and patriotism remain the cornerstone of development.

The 10th anniversary of OYAA by the Youth Reformer Initiative is commendable by individuals, organisations, professional bodies including Osun Online Publishers Association, reaffirmed the enduring truth that when young people are celebrated, communities are transformed.