Call for Transparency and Justice in the Oyo Youth Award for Governance – Atiba Blessing
I, Comrade ATIBA BLESSING IFE, in my capacity as the National President of the Federation of Ogbomoso Students’ Union (FOGSU), write this petition on behalf of thousands of Ogbomoso youths and students to formally express our concern and disappointment over the recent outcome of the Oyo State Youth Award for Governance, presented during the Oyo State Youth Summit themed “Unlocking Youth Potential: Addressing Needs, Fulfilling Dreams”.
One of our most distinguished members and a former National President of our union (2021), Comrade Adediran Abiodun Sunday, was a nominee for the Oyo Youth Award for Governance category. Following a transparent and publicly monitored voting process, Comrade Adediran Abiodun Sunday emerged as the clear winner with 36% of total votes (1,509 votes), surpassing his closest contender, Dikko Salami, who garnered 27% (1,138 votes) as at the close of voting on Friday, April 18.
To our collective shock and dismay, the award was not presented to the rightful winner, despite his legitimate lead and overwhelming public support. This decision by the committee and the Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development raises serious questions about the integrity, fairness, and transparency of the award process.
As a union that advocates for youth justice, fairness, and merit-based recognition, we cannot remain silent in the face of this injustice. Our youth must never be discouraged from participating in democratic processes or disrespected when they excel.
We hereby make the following demands:
1. Immediate clarification from the committee and the Commissioner on why the candidate with the highest votes was not recognized.
2. Public release of the full voting data and the criteria used in selecting the final awardee.
3. Presentation of the Oyo Youth Award for Governance to Comrade Adediran Abiodun Sunday, the rightful winner by public votes.
4. A public apology to the Oyo State youth community for any perceived manipulation or lack of transparency in the process.
This petition serves as a peaceful but firm call for justice, and we remain hopeful that the ministry will uphold the core values of fairness, transparency, and accountability in youth-related programs.
We seek immediate attention and correction of this matter to avoid setting a negative precedent for future youth engagement and recognition in Oyo State.
Signed,
Comr. ATIBA BLESSING IFE
National President,
Federation of Ogbomoso Students’ Union (FOGSU)
08142373329
