Lagos lawmaker wins Thomas Sankara leadership award

Lagos Lawmaker Hon. Segun Olulade representing Epe constituency 02 has been honoured with Distinguished Parliamentarian of the Year award by the ECOWAS Youth Council (EYC) in recognition of his commitment to youth development and empowerment.

The EYC delegation, led by its Chairman, Amb. Emmanuel Williams on Wednesday presented the Thomas Sankara Leadership Award of Integrity and Transparency to the lawmaker at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“In recognition of your unsurpassed performance in leadership style, as a seasoned philanthropist who is passionate about the growth of your constituency and the entire nation, we present this award.

“In consideration of your empowerment as a main cardinal point in your deliverables, your determination for workable Nigeria and being a supporter of youth development, we present this award.

“In recognition of your concerted efforts in ensuring peace development and unprecedented action for the progress of Nigeria, we present this award.

“We have come here to celebrate credence and man of honour who is doing well and contributing his quota to the development of young people, women and the masses, not in his constituency alone but Nigeria as whole,” Williams stated while presenting the award to Olulade.

He added that the award was a biggest honour that could be bestowed on any personality in West Africa at this point in time.

Asked what informed the choice of Olulade, Williams said Olulade’s choice was on the nomination of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for being passionate about youth development and a known peace ambassador.

“We got his nomination with others from Mali-a Minister from Mali; a young entrepreneur from Ivory Coast among others, but Olulade’s choice was overwhelming.

“It is quite important ynow that the African Union is talking about electioneering and corruption in Africa, we should be looking at the direction of recognising people who are doing well in politics and governance.

“We also see that Olulade is being supportive to youth development, empowerment and education,’’ the EYC boss declared.

Responding, Olulade said he was passionate and committed to youths development adding the empowerment of youths was all about his life whether he was holding political office or not.

“This award means so much to me. I have received several awards both locally and internationally, but this one is very dear to my heart because it is coming from West African Youth.

“It (service to humanity) is about my life, what I believe in and stand for. I will continue to do more and help Nigerian youths to discover their potentials. It is about service, sacrifice and selflessness.

“I identify with the youths and I’m passionate about their development because I know that is where my future lies and the future of everyone,’’ Olulade stated.

Stressed that the award has become a challenge for him to do more in his service to youths and humanity at large, saying his Eleniyan Cares Leadership Foundation had progressively and positively affected so many youths.

He disclosed the foundation had sponsored education of so many young people and some to international conferences for skills acquisition while he had also continued to identify and support youth programmes geared toward capacity building.