Acceptance Speech of Mr Smith Ikumapayi as the Speaker of the Second Assembly of the Ondo State Youth Parliament

It is with pleasure and sense of duty that I accept my nomination as a member of the Ondo State Youth Parliament, and not only as a member but also as the Speaker of the Second Assembly of the Parliament.

I appreciate everyone who made this possible, and I return all glory to God. Saddled with this critical and timely task to pilot the affairs of this Youth Parliament, I am committed to the creation of a new problem solving standard. Putting to bear, my experience in the understanding of the challenges weighing down on the potentials of our youth. As a renowned Youth advocate, I shall be providing an Innovation focused leadership for the Youth parliament, as that is what is needed most today by subsaharan African youth who are estimated to make about 20% of total world youth population in the coming years.

In line with the National Youth Policy, and in conformity with global standards. I will be committed in energy and strategies to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, (SDG's) using Ondo State and her endowed youth as an exemplary spring focus of global attention.

It is a very promising step that  the composition of the second session of Ondo State Youth parliament is made up of tested youth individuals in the society, with a minimum of a University degree qualification. This will go a long way  at ensuring quality discussions and instituting quality leadership.

I want to hugely appreciate His Excellency, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who provided the needed impetus, along with his Commissioner For Youth and Sports Development, who allowed room for this noble idea to thrive. Also, the officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Ondo State,  the Permanent Secretary, Director and Deputy director in charge of youth development for their sacrifices. The energetic screening committee, using the Chairman Mr. C.K Ojo as a point of contact to acknowledge their unquantifiable efforts in giving the best for the people of Ondo State. Specifically, I can't but acknowledge the valuable effort of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Adebiyi Mayowa Angelmayor. You have demonstrated capacity, love and leadership in the build up processes to where we are today.

Let me assure my colleagues in the parliament of an inclusive democratic participation in the decision making and the youth  of Ondo State of our commitment to creative leadership in the best interests of the state.

Thank you and God bless.

God bless Nigeria
God bless Ondo State
God bless Ondo State youth parliament.