Emmanuel ClementÂ
The Institute for Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa (IGLSA) has concluded arrangements to train selected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saki, Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, as part of efforts to groom future leaders and strengthen governance capacity in the region.
The Acting Registrar of the Institute, Professor Salihu Lawal, disclosed this during a media parley in Abuja on Monday.
He explained that the programme, tagged Youth Mentoring Training Programme, is designed to equip participants with practical leadership skills, enhance governance knowledge, and prepare them for the demands of modern leadership.
According to him, the Institute will also confer prestigious fellowship awards on six distinguished personalities of Oyo State origin in recognition of their outstanding contributions to community development and national service.
Prof. Lawal revealed that the two-day event will hold from Friday, April 10 to Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Saki City Hall, Oyo State.
The leadership training will take place on Friday, while the fellowship and award ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.
Those shortlisted for the fellowship awards include His Royal Majesty, Oba Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III; the Oyo State APC Chairman, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo; Chairman of Saki Parapo Association, Oluwole Oladokun; retired Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Ladi Abimbola; Col. Dr. Gbenga Adegbola; and House of Representatives hopeful, Dr. Ismail Adewoyin.
Speaking on the selection, Prof. Lawal noted that the awardees were chosen based on their impactful contributions across various sectors.
He described Oba Oyedepo III as one of the most educated monarchs in Sakiâs traditional institution, whose extensive local and international engagements have facilitated partnerships and development initiatives across Saki and the wider Oke-Ogun region.
Prof. Lawal also praised Oluwole Oladokun, a former Permanent Secretary at the Governorâs Office who served under nine administrations, for his leadership in advancing community development through the Saki Parapo Association. He added that working alongside Dr. Ismail Adewoyin, the association executed several impactful initiatives, including environmental sustainability projects that led to the distribution of 10,000 Pakia seedlings to farmers and neighboring communities.
Dr. Adewoyin was equally commended for his academic and professional accomplishments as an estate surveyor and valuer, with over 27 scholarly publications and consulting experience with international telecommunications firms.
Retired Justice Abimbola was described as an incorruptible jurist and legal luminary who served as the longest-serving Chief Judge of Oyo State for nine years and a three-time member of the National Judicial Council, with landmark judgments referenced internationally.
Col. Dr. Adegbola was also recognized for his philanthropic contributions, including facilitating the establishment of the Command Science Secondary School in Saki and supporting the modernization of the Saki Central Mosque.
Prof. Lawal noted that the recognition reflects IGLSAâs commitment to promoting leadership excellence, community development, and sustainable governance, while celebrating individuals whose contributions continue to shape a better future for Oyo State and Nigeria at large.