Humanitarian activist and social entrepreneur, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, has reaffirmed his support for Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, describing him as the best youth minister in the history of Nigeria.
In a statement on Sunday, Iyere dismissed online attacks against Olawande, allegedly sponsored by selfish political interests threatened by the Minister’s inclusive and visionary leadership.
Iyere noted Olawande’s accessibility and commitment to the youth, citing the “youth helpdesk” digital platform that enables Nigerian youths to voice their concerns and access government services.
Iyere emphasised Olawande’s humility, simplicity, and modesty, maintaining that the Minister remains Nigeria’s most egalitarian Minister.
“He still sees himself as that same struggling conductor he used to be, without allowing his present social status to derail his sense of empathy, compassion, and consideration for others,” Comrade Iyere said.
He also commended Olawande’s efforts to address youth unemployment and poverty through the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP), which has recruited over six million youths and aims to create twenty million jobs through the Cooperative Farmers and Agro-Allied Entrepreneurs Programme (CYFAEP).
Iyere cautioned those behind the media attacks to realize they are bound to lose, emphasizing Olawande’s dedication to the youth and his vision for a better Nigeria.
He said: “Comrade Olawande remains Nigeria’s most egalitarian Minister, even as a Minister that he is today, he still sees himself as that same struggling conductor he used to be, without allowing his present social status to derail his sense of empathy, compassion and consideration for others.
“His level of humility, simplicity and modesty has no comparison. He remains the best man to represent the youths of Nigerian any day, anytime and anywhere. As a Minister, he still places himself in the same position he used to be, as that poor street boy struggling everyday to make ends meet.
“He feels the impulse of Nigerian youths, and it is the reason he devises and supports programs that will help ameliorate the economic hardship, sufferings and pains faced by Nigerian youths,” Iyere stated.
