On February 18, 2025, the Ifeleye Market in Oyo State was agog with excitement as market youth leaders and stakeholders gathered for the official induction of new leadership. The event, spearheaded by Comrade Adetunji Sikiru Abidemi, popularly known as Sikol, the Olori Odo Oloja of Oyo State, highlighted the crucial role of market youths in the state’s economic development.
The induction ceremony saw the presence of top government officials, including Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, and Hon. Dawood Olalere D-Al-Ameen, the Member representing Ibadan NorthWest State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly among other dignitaries . A key moment of the event was the formal induction and presentation of certificate to Adebogun Abiodun Adewusi as the new Oloriodo Oja of Ifeleye Market.
Also in attendance were notable market leaders such as the Babaloja and Iyaloja, alongside market youths from across 33 local government areas of Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke expressed gratitude to the market youth of Ifeleye for the invitation and commended their dedication to economic progress. She reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to supporting market youths through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, assuring them of more government involvement in their affairs.
In his address, Olori Odo Oloja Sikol emphasized the significant contributions of market youths to the state’s economy and the overall progress of its markets. He called on the government to empower market youths by ensuring their inclusion in state market council, which would enable them to benefit from governance and economic initiatives.
The induction event reinforced the growing recognition of market youths as vital players in Oyo State’s economic landscape, setting the stage for more inclusive policies and development programs.
