The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, revealed on Wednesday that his ambition to become Speaker began when he was a 14-year-old secondary school student in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He urged children in the state to remain focused and avoid distractions that could hinder their dreams of achieving greatness.
Elemide made these remarks while hosting the 5th Children’s Parliament of Ogun State at the Assembly’s conference room after their plenary session.
He shared that his interest in politics was sparked in 1978 by influential figures such as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and her husband, Rev. Israel Ransome-Kuti, whom he described as freedom fighters dedicated to the people’s welfare.
Elemide explained, “While we were in Ibadan around 1978 and 1979, when I was between 14 and 15, we used to go to the Liberty Stadium to celebrate the October 1 Independence Day. The dignitaries usually sat in the state box, and since then, I have always dreamt that one day, when I grow up, I would also be sitting in that state box. And now, when we have events at the stadium, I stay inside the state box courtesy of my position as the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly. I was your age at that time; I had the dream, I pursued it, and God allowed it and brought it into fulfilment. So, to have become the Speaker of Ogun State is a long-time dream for me. Don’t take the opportunity given to you to be selected as members of the 5th Children’s Parliament out of hundreds of thousands in the state for granted. I am here today; it could be your turn tomorrow.”
He praised the children for their impressive performance during the sitting, expressing optimism about the state’s future given the quality of their contributions. The Speaker assured them that the House would review their resolutions on tackling child abuse, with some recommendations potentially being incorporated into a bill currently under consideration.
Elemide also commended the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, for collaborating with stakeholders to organize the Children’s Parliament. He pledged the legislature’s continued support for the executive arm in prioritizing children’s welfare.
In a communiqué issued after the sitting and signed by the Children’s Parliament Speaker, Favour Ezekiel from Ifo, the Parliament called for stronger measures to prevent and eradicate child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
They expressed concern over rising cases of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as child labour and trafficking, emphasizing that these practices deprive children of their potential and societal contributions. The Parliament urged the government and stakeholders to implement comprehensive policies and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
Speaking to journalists, Commissioner Adeleye highlighted the importance of the Children’s Parliament in fostering governance awareness among youths. She said, “If we are saying the children are the leaders of tomorrow, is it not good if we begin to ensure their inclusion in governance, giving them the voice to air their concerns on matters that directly affect them, and of course, begin to catch them young for governance?”
Adeleye reaffirmed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to children’s safety and welfare, stating that her ministry would continue to implement initiatives to secure their future and help them achieve greatness.