The 10th edition of the Osun Youth Ambassador Award (OYAA) on Sunday rekindled a collective sense of purpose and unity among young people in Osun State, with calls for renewed commitment toward integrity, innovation, and community development.
The event, held at Adolak Event Centre, Osogbo, was graced by the royal presence of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, the Olowu of Kuta-Kuta Kingdom, who led a royal delegation to honour the convener of the award and President of the Youth Reformer Initiative, Aminat Ajibola.
The 10th anniversary of OYAA marked a decade of recognising exceptional young achievers across Osun who have contributed to the state’s development through leadership, creativity, and service. This year, 17 outstanding youths were honoured for their excellence in different fields, while a new initiative—Emergency Food Relief—was launched to support less privileged residents of the state.
In his royal remarks, Oba Makama praised the resilience and brilliance of Osun youths, urging them to remain upright and consistent in driving meaningful progress across communities. He stressed that traditional institutions must continue to support youth-led initiatives that promote growth, unity, and empowerment.
“Our youths are the pillars of our future. When they are focused, disciplined, and driven by integrity, no society can fail,” the monarch said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA), Mukhtar Ajelogbon, commended Ajibola’s leadership and consistency over the years, describing her as “a symbol of courage and inspiration.”
“The Osun Online Publishers Association is proud of Aminat Ajibola, popularly known as Amiloaded,” Ajelogbon said. “She has remained instrumental to the progress of the media and youth development community in Osun. OYAA has become a platform that reflects her passion for excellence and service.”
In her remarks, Aminat Ajibola, the convener of OYAA and President of the Youth Reformer Initiative, expressed gratitude to all supporters, partners, and dignitaries who have stood by the initiative since inception. She noted that the vision behind OYAA was to recognize, reward, and inspire hardworking young people who contribute meaningfully to societal development.
“Ten years ago, we began this journey with a simple vision—to celebrate young people who are driving positive change. Today, that vision has grown into a movement that continues to inspire others to believe in their potential and contribute to the progress of Osun State,” Ajibola said.
The well-attended ceremony featured cultural performances, goodwill messages, and award presentations. Attendees included government officials, media executives, entrepreneurs, and members of civil society.
As the OYAA clocked a decade, the event did not only celebrate achievements but also reignited the collective resolve for a progressive Osun—where youth creativity, resourcefulness, and patriotism remain the foundation of development.
