FROM VIENNA TO EKITI: How Governor Oyebanji’s Youth Inclusion Model Attracted UN Attention, Seeks Major International Crime Prevention, Empowerment Initiative

By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole

In an exclusive briefing at the Office of Youth Inclusion in Ado-Ekiti, Governor’s office on Thursday,Mr.Femi Oyebode, the National Coordinator of Rural and Urban Aid for Youth Development, unveiled a landmark international partnership poised to position Ekiti State at the forefront of global crime prevention and youth development initiatives.

Mr. Oyebode, who made history two years ago as the first African to be elected onto the board of the prestigious United Nations (UN ) Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna, disclosed that his election was secured with 26 votes, surpassing rivals Professor Thomas Bechner of Illinois, USA (16 votes) and Linda Winton (18 votes). This pivotal role, championed by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, empowers him to coordinate the implementation of critical UN conventions against transnational crime, including protocols on migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and arms proliferation.He is from Ikole Ekiti.

Ekiti State is strategically chosen to be the first state in Nigeria to domesticate this United Nations convention once the memorandum of Understanding is sealed” Oyebode declared. “With the documented support of the Nigeria Police, the NDLEA, and the formal recognition of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are at an advanced stage to secure international funding. Our goal is to channel these resources into providing tangible alternatives for our youth through agriculture, ICT, empowerment, and drug rehabilitation programs.”

The courtesy visit, facilitated by the Technical Advisor Public Communication Political,Dr.Tai Oguntayo, was directed to the office of the Technical Advisor on Youth Inclusion, Hon. Ayo Ojo. Oyebode emphasized that the choice of Ekiti was deliberate, citing Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s visible passion for youth development and the state’s unique status as the only one in the country with a dedicated Office of Youth Inclusion.

“We are here because the government does not only have the passion but has implemented workable mechanisms handled by competent hands like Hon. Ayo Ojo,” Oyebode stated. “His track record perfectly aligns with our mandate. We seek a formal collaboration with this office to drive this project forward, ensuring our activities meet UN evaluation standards and directly benefit Ekiti’s youth.”

Hon. Ayo Ojo, while receiving the delegation, affirmed the state’s commitment to the partnership. “This is a significant project, and this office is the right place for it. We are ready to collaborate, strategize, and ensure we meet with the Governor to integrate this global framework into our local agenda for youth development and security.”he assured.

The Technical Advisor Public Communication Political Dr.Tai Oguntayo urged the delegation to formally write stating specific focused areas of collaboration with the state and opined that with consolidated meetings that would come up a considerable conclusion will be reached.

He however assured that the Ekiti State Governor is very passionate about youth development and is ready for collaboration with institutionalized and recognized organizations or corporate bodies as long as it will genuinely impact Ekiti youth.

Mr. Oyebode further revealed an upcoming bid for the chairmanship position of the UN Alliance board in May, leveraging the success of the Ekiti partnership as a cornerstone of his campaign. The initiative promises to boost the state’s security architecture, provide sustainable alternatives to crime for young people, and attract both foreign and local donor investment.