In a remarkable display of academic brilliance and leadership, 17 years old Iyiola Oluwabukunmi, a student from Top Rank Intellectual Academy, Akobo, Ibadan was appointed a day Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, following his victory in the inaugural Academic Competition.
The competition, which brought together both public and private schools across Lagelu, marked a groundbreaking initiative in the local government’s ongoing effort to foster academic excellence and nurture future leaders.
Bukunmi, who clinched first runner-up in the competition, was celebrated by the Executive Chairman of Lagelu, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, in recognition of his outstanding achievement. As a reward for his academic excellence, Bukunmi was given the rare honor of temporarily stepping into the shoes of the Chairman for a full day, a symbolic gesture aimed at empowering young minds and encouraging the pursuit of educational excellence.
The historic occasion began early Wednesday morning, as Iyiola Bukunmi assumed office in a smooth and ceremonial handover, with the local government Chairman temporarily stepping aside to observe. Bukunmi’s day in office was a whirlwind of activity and civic responsibility. His duties ranged from the commissioning of a new water project by the local government administration to approving free JAMB examination forms for local students. Iyiola also visited the Lagelu Garri Factory, inspecting ongoing efforts to revitalize the local economy and provide employment opportunities to residents.
As part of his day, Bukunmi made time to address students in various high schools across the local government area, engaging with his contemporaries and inspiring them with his words of wisdom and ambition. His walk through the local government secretariat with Chairman Kamorudeen was an opportunity for Bukunmi to observe firsthand the inner workings of public administration. He spent the rest of his day in meetings with departmental heads, reviewing government files and receiving briefs on all completed and ongoing government projects.
In his address while presiding over the council, Bukunmi expressed his gratitude to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support to the people of Lagelu, and he commended Chairman Kamorudeen for his exceptional work in advancing a better agenda for the local government. “This opportunity to serve, even for a day, has been an incredible honor. It’s a reminder of the power of education, of hard work, and the boundless potential that young people like me have to lead,” Bukunmi remarked.
The young Chairman also made a compelling case for the continuation of the one-day chairman program, stressing its importance in helping to shape future generations of leaders. “This initiative is crucial to developing the leadership skills of tomorrow. By engaging with governance early, we learn not only the importance of academic success but also the responsibilities we carry as citizens,” Bukunmi said.
Responding, Chairman Kamorudeen underscored the significance of the one-day chairman program, emphasizing that it is not merely a symbolic gesture but an investment in the future of the local government, the state and the country. “This program is an important initiative,” Kamorudeen said. “It offers young people an opportunity to gain invaluable exposure to the intricacies of public service while enhancing their academic abilities.”
Kamorudeen further assured Bukunmi that the one-day chairman initiative would be sustained throughout his tenure. “We are committed to ensuring that this program continues, and we will work to expand it to reach even more students in the coming years,” he added.
In his remarks, the Lagelu local government supervisor for education, Mr. Abiade Rotimi congratulated Iyiola on his milestone achievement, encouraging young minds on the importance of academic excellence.
