New YNCI President Unveils Agenda Focused on Integrity, Inclusiveness, and Youth Empowerment
The newly elected President of the Yoruba National Community Italy (YNCI), Abolaji Adedayo, has officially launched a comprehensive agenda centered on integrity, inclusiveness, and youth empowerment. In his acceptance speech delivered during the inauguration of the new executive council over the weekend in Padova, Italy, Adedayo committed to repositioning the diaspora organization as a benchmark for transparent and participatory leadership.
Commitment to Accountability and Collective Voice
Adedayo assured members that his administration would prioritize accountability in governance, ensuring that every community member, regardless of age or background, has a meaningful voice in decision-making processes. He emphasized that his election represents not a personal victory but a collective mandate to strengthen unity and deepen cultural identity among Yoruba indigenes residing in Italy.
Promoting inclusiveness will be critical to bridging generational divides and unlocking the full potential of the community, Adedayo noted. He outlined plans to empower young people, create broader participation opportunities, and build stronger connections within the diaspora and with host communities across Italy.
Pledge for Reform-Driven Leadership
In his address, Adedayo declared, “I pledge to lead with integrity, discipline, inclusiveness, dedication, transparency, and accountability. I also want to entrench a reform-driven leadership. This moment is not about one person, but it reflects our shared commitment to unity, culture, and progress. Together, we will build bridges across generations and create opportunities for all.”
Former President Highlights Achievements and Calls for Support
The immediate past President of YNCI, Kolawole Oladele, used his handover note to highlight key achievements from his tenure over the past few years. According to Oladele, his administration successfully enhanced financial transparency, expanded membership growth, and promoted cultural initiatives. He urged members to rally behind the new executive council to sustain progress and elevate the standing of the Yoruba community among Nigerian diaspora organizations globally.
Youth Representative Appeals for Concrete Action
During the ceremony, youth representative Faidat Durowoju commended President Adedayo for recognizing the vital role of young people, who are often sidelined despite being described as the future. Durowoju charged the new leadership to trust the competence of Yoruba youth in Italy and appealed for the inclusiveness pledge to be translated into tangible actions benefiting all members.
New Executive Council Members
The newly elected executive council includes:
- Vice President: Aderoju Oyewo
- General Secretary: Michael Bamgbose
- Treasurer: Oluwuyiwa Opafola
- Financial Secretary: Monsuru Hassa
- Public Relations Officer: Ademola Adetona
- Socio-Cultural Officer: Adeola Adefowowe
- Provost: Adekunle Orelaja
This leadership team is poised to drive forward Adedayo’s vision of a more integrated, accountable, and youth-focused Yoruba community in Italy.
