A significant wave of youth support is building in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, as student leaders and youth groups across the constituency publicly endorsed Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD) for the Oyo State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement, announced during RAD’s official declaration in Ibadan on Saturday, March 28, reflects a growing national conversation on inclusive governance and the strategic role of women in leadership. Student representatives described RAD not merely as a political aspirant, but as “a sister and a mother” whose grassroots engagement demonstrates a deep understanding of citizens’ realities.
“We want our sister and mother in governance,” declared a student leader at the event. “Women are our mothers and our sisters. They share our struggles, feel our pain, and are uniquely positioned to drive community development with empathy and urgency.”
Beyond gender representation, the students cited RAD’s proven track record in public service, consistent accessibility to grassroots communities, and sustained engagement with youths, women’s groups, and local stakeholders. They noted that her approach demonstrates the responsiveness and compassion often absent in traditional political structures.
“Leadership should not be one-sided,”* another student emphasized. “When women are given the opportunity, they bring balance, innovation, and a people-centered perspective to governance. RAD embodies that hope for Lagelu and for Oyo State.”
The student movement aligns with broader calls within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and among national stakeholders for deliberate, measurable steps to increase women’s representation in elective offices. The youths urged party leaders, including key allies of Governor Oluwaseyi Seyi Makinde, to heed the voice of young Nigerians by supporting competent female aspirants with demonstrated capacity.
For many students, the endorsement is deeply personal. “Representation is about identity, trust, and connection,” they affirmed. “As students, we believe in a future where our leaders truly represent us. RAD is one of us. She is our sister, our mother, and our voice.”
Political observers note that RAD’s candidacy is gaining traction as a symbol of three converging shifts in Nigeria’s democracy: generational change, gender inclusion, and grassroots accountability. Her campaign mantra, “LAGELU SPEAKS: Fairness Is the Foundation of Both Equality and Justice,”continues to resonate with constituents demanding transparent and equitable leadership.
With youth mobilization intensifying across Oyo State, RAD’s emergence underscores a larger message to Nigeria and the international community: inclusive leadership is not a favor to women and youths it is a strategic imperative for sustainable development, social cohesion, and democratic renewal.
