May 2024

Dear Young Folks (Series 5) “Tomorrow’s Leaders: Balancing Present Gratification with Future Consequences”

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Dear Young Folks, The emerging leaders of tomorrow wield both the promise of progress and the peril of shortsightedness, as they grapple with the temptation to prioritize immediate rewards over long-term sustainability. This delicate balance between present indulgence and future responsibility echoes throughout your actions and inactions, revealing a concerning resemblance to the traits of certain political figures. In the pursuit of effecting meaningful social change, I remain steadfast in my commitment to upholding honor as the cornerstone of ethical conduct. Guided by the understanding that integrity is the hallmark of superior individuals, I am unwavering in my efforts to carefully deliberate my words and engagements across social media platforms. It is disheartening to observe the fervent defense of governmental actions and policies by many young individuals, often driven by personal biases and emotional attachments. While it may be tempting to distance ourselves from the influence of politicians, we must acknowledge that our very existence is intricately intertwined with the policies they enact. Today, I am compelled to address the insidious campaign aimed at suppressing certain news stories, preventing their dissemination on platforms more prominent than my own. This concerted effort to control the narrative reflects a troubling disregard for transparency and accountability within the administration, threatening to erode public trust and perpetuate misinformation. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the publishers of Whatsapp Ibadan, Ibadan Elite Broadcasters, Ibadan Lawa, Industreet Blogs Ibadan PR, and 9ja Connect for their invaluable collaborations. Through these partnerships, we have facilitated numerous engagements that have catalyzed prompt government action on various occasions. Equally deserving of commendation are the government officials who have received our feedback with openness and responded with a level of responsiveness and accountability that is commendable. Dear fellow folks alike, we bear a responsibility not only to our present selves but also to the generations yet to come. It is on this foundation that I seek your support to sustain our efforts in driving meaningful change, recognizing the pivotal role that government policies play in shaping the future for those who will follow in our footsteps. See you all next week. Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change AdvocateHC Ministry of Concerned Citizens

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Open Letter to the Governor: “Inquiry and Accountability: Assessing the ‘Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative’ Event and Related Investments” by Idris Animasaun

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The recent event entitled ‘Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative,’ hosted at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan on April 29, 2024, garnered significant attention. His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, a Former President, the DG of OYSADA, and various dignitaries graced the occasion. The event, as reported is a collaborative effort between IITA and Oyo State government. However, questions are currently being raised about funding for this project and expected deliverables from the event and its impact on food security. Concerned citizens are humbly requesting that a comprehensible overview of the achieved outcomes from the relevant agency should be made available to the public. Furthermore, OYSADA is urged to furnish detailed, itemized records of all investments, specifying amounts, dates of receipt, disbursement particulars, beneficiaries, and the monitoring mechanisms ensuring appropriate fund utilization since inception of this administration in 2019. It is noteworthy that the absence of similar events in Fashola prompts speculation, with concerns raised about potential publicity hesitance due to alleged structural integrity issues related to heavy rainfall. The populace urges His Excellency to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial transactions associated with the construction of Fashola Agribusiness Hub. We are intentionally directing attention towards the designated consultant, Hollar Gabriel Nig. Ltd., tasked with ensuring quality and timely project delivery, whose office is situated at 1 Ipetu Road, Asio, Ondo East LGA, Ondo State to give a thorough account of the project and integrity under his watch. The government needs to be transparent about its expenditures to confirm or refute the narrative of a Public-Private Partnership with Brains and Hammers Ltd. His Excellency, known for his transparency, should ensure clarity regarding the Fashola Farm settlement. Additionally, comparing Oyo State’s agricultural progress to that of other states, such as Lagos, which reportedly earns trillions annually from agriculture, raises questions. Oyo State must disclose its agricultural earnings over the past five years and develop a comprehensive agribusiness plan leveraging Lagos State’s success. This plan should integrate the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology with other state facilities like Fashola Farm settlements to maximize productivity. Instead of relying solely on rental income, Oyo State should invest in its citizens by creating young agricultural entrepreneurs through intentional and substantial investments, providing land, equipment, and education in agricultural and financial management. The state should also utilize its own facilities for agricultural events and training to promote local projects and visibility for rural farmers. Notably, the OYSADA headquarters in Saki, reportedly renovated at a cost of over 400 million Naira, remains underutilized, highlighting the need for more effective resource allocation and utilization.

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Dear Young Folks (Series 4: Collaborate, Volunteer, Partner and Network)

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Dear Young Folks, I recently had the pleasure of attending a surprise birthday gathering graciously hosted by Honorable Dapo Lam Adesina to commemorate my own birthday. Such gestures are rare and mark only the second occasion in nearly four decades of my life. The event was truly enjoyable, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to its vibrant success. Upon reflecting on the speeches delivered during the celebration, as captured in video clips, I felt compelled to share some insights from my own journey in the hope that they may resonate with others and offer valuable lessons. Successful individuals often possess distinct traits, one of which is the ability to discern opportunities where others may overlook them. Therefore, it is essential to persevere in one’s pursuits, projects, or endeavors until tangible results materialize. When queried about the outcomes of my sacrifices or the personal gains I anticipate, I often jestingly respond, “I don’t know.” However, this jest belies a deeper belief in the transformative power of positively impacting others, which in turn fosters societal advancement and personal growth. I have cultivated unwavering self-belief, steadfastly adhering to my principles despite facing skepticism from those around me. My faith in the value of partnerships, collaborations, and volunteerism as conduits for expanding my network remains unshaken. Today, my writings and contributions garner attention organically, devoid of sponsorships or advertisements, owing to the resonance I share with my network of acquaintances. While some may view me solely as a resource to be leveraged, I am beginning to witness reciprocal benefits from these relationships. I have even secured loans from financial institutions based solely on the reputation I have built, demonstrating that one’s personal brand holds intrinsic value beyond immediate financial gains. In a previous communication, I emphasized the importance of offering services in exchange for assistance rather than seeking immediate financial aid. I reiterate that collaborations and volunteerism are pivotal to personal development, even if the benefits may not be immediately apparent. The journey to success often mirrors the narrative of the Chinese bamboo, requiring years of nurturing before manifesting exponential growth within a relatively short timeframe. This underscores the importance of patience and persistence in realizing the dividends of one’s investments. Furthermore, not all rewards are monetary; some of life’s greatest achievements stem from meaningful connections and experiences that defy quantification. It is through such intangible assets that one truly flourishes, unaware of the seeds sown along the way. No success story is solely authored by one individual; it invariably entails the contributions of others, albeit sometimes tacitly. Trusting solely in fate or wishful thinking is insufficient; instead, cultivating partnerships, networking, collaborating, and volunteering are essential strategies for navigating the path to success. Grab a copy of Unstoppable by Babatunde Ojobaro this weekend and let’s reflect on the lessons there in. See you next week. Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change Advocate

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Dear Young Folks (Series 3)

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The importance of caution among the youth of our state when engaging in political discourse online cannot be overstated. These discussions often escalate quickly, leading to misunderstandings, hostility, and even harassment. It is imperative to uphold respectful dialogue, verify sources before disseminating information, and consider the potential impact of one’s words on others. Reflecting on the recent local government elections in our state, it is disheartening to witness a generation that should be actively involved both online and offline reducing themselves to supporting causes without critical examination. This failure to provide balanced perspectives is concerning and warrants attention. Addressing the grievances expressed by candidates following the recent state election, there is a notable lack of acknowledgment and reporting on the dissatisfaction among all parties involved. The youth, who should be leading efforts to bring sanity to the discourse, have been surprisingly silent and passive in this regard, which is disappointing. It is troubling to see youths defending flawed structures, systems, or processes marred by irregularities, as it not only seeks favor but also tacitly endorses unethical practices. Additionally, the potential reach of our comments and blog posts should be a cause for concern, as they may perpetuate vices that plague our political landscape and undermine the integrity of our electoral processes. In light of these observations, I advocate for the implementation of standardized measures by state authorities to ensure the integrity of future electoral processes. We must move beyond conventional approaches and prioritize inclusivity and transparency in our electoral system. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

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Dear Young Folks (Series 2)

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Dear Young Folks, On the morning of my 25th birthday, I sat on a rail beside Citee Oil at Mokola and began to weep uncontrollably. I was waiting for my NYSC posting while interning with an architectural firm at the time. I reminisce about the challenges ahead and thought to myself that I have come of age, and apparently no one will see the need to give a 25yrs old free cash for stipends repeatedly. Due to my background and the society that I grew up from, it is expected that I should be fending for myself by that age which actually began 10yrs earlier as a sales boy at RAO shopping complex in Challenge. At 16, I was going to Lagos to procure compact discs in whole sales and resell. By 19, I worked as a labor in a block moulding company in Saki to live through my national diploma. I worked as a painter to assist myself through my HND days few years ago. I know the pressure on you is high, I can understand how you feel too. But one thing that changed it all for me, is understanding from that morning of my 25th birthday the need to be responsible for myself. I decided if I can’t grab a skill, I’ll remain a laborer for life, so I opted to live with Wole Adebayo who taught me how to use AutoCAD. In my first week of getting posted to my PPA, I began to make money to sustain myself. The success you see with people today that endear them to you is a result of age long years of sacrifices and trying something new and different in places where persistency is not yielding results. In “unstoppable” by @themisterrain he said there might be a growing need to “function somewhere else; be valuable in other places and other industries. The advantages basically puts you ahead of others most of the time.” Today, what will look easy with my versatility is as a result of my age long years of trying different things even though it is only architecture that I have continuously mastered. But cover writing, blogging, punditry, brand management/marketing/influencing, and social media marketing have paid most of my day to day bills. Rather than go into people’s DM to ask for 2k, ask them what you can do for them to earn a pay. Thank you @timiakindelephotography for this image

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NO TWO KIDS ARE THE SAME: Birthday wishes to Moyo

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One of the most challenging experience of my life is something I hope make its own chapter titled “Raising Mo” in my yet to be published biography. For someone who’s raising a baby boy before the arrival of another, I had thought the process would be seamless and repetitive until few months on. At around his 24th month, Moyo wasnt doing as much as Al-Ameen was even doing at 10months. I became worried, he barely talks or play with anyone. Signs I had seen from as early as the first one year. I became closer, I was his company and we are always having a conversation even if he won’t respond back. From the first time he said “tata” papa, and becoming someone who makes the most complete sentence when asked a question. Do you like this ? Yes I like it. Al-Ameen would have replied with just yes. My baby showed signs he learnt a lot from those quiet moments between us too. I discovered in time that no two kids are the same and I’ll have to grow all along with these ones with their own unique qualities and individual traits. Moyo wants to compete, and he’s always eager to know what his elder brother scores when the result comes in at the end of the term. For someone who leads his class, he should focus elsewhere and not his brother is a line I’m learning to teach. I looked at Jameel today and my heart is filled with joy, I thought I should share this experience not only to celebrate a never giving up attitude of both of us but to tell someone reading this. No two kids are the same, any kid that showed deficiencies deserves attention, persistent help, love and guidance. If no one believed in Moyo, then it’s myself and his mum. I love you Jayjay as he loves to be called. Happy Birthday my super star and Daddy’s precious, Jameel Leonard Moyosola Animasaun.

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