From Classroom to Council: 13-Year-Old Gets Taste of Governance in Ibadan

A 13-year-old pupil, Agaba Vincent, on Tuesday assumed duty as One-Day Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, stepping into the role of the council chairman for 24 hours.

The initiative, aimed at grooming young people in leadership and civic responsibility, saw Vincent carry out the full schedule of the council’s chief executive.

Clad in agbada and flanked by aides, Vincent was received at the council secretariat in Oluyole Estate by council officials and political functionaries. He was sworn in during a brief ceremony before proceeding with his official engagements.

As part of his duties, the young chairman toured all departments in the council to get first-hand information on operations, challenges, and service delivery. He interacted with heads of departments and staff across Finance, Works, Health, Education, and Information units.

Vincent also inspected ongoing projects within the local government area. At each site, he received briefings from engineers and supervisors and charged them to ensure quality and timely delivery of the projects for the benefit of residents.

In the afternoon, he presided over a meeting with political functionaries and senior management staff. During the session, issues including sanitation, youth engagement, and grassroots development were discussed. Vincent directed that feedback from residents be given more attention in policy implementation.

In attendance were members of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission who were at the council for a staff audit exercise. Also present were Yusuff Alli, Akinkunmi Alhaji Taiwo Oke, Hon. John Abisoye Adisa, and Mrs. Nike Arewa. The dignitaries appreciated the chairman for the gesture, describing the One-Day Chairman program as a commendable step toward mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Speaking after the meeting, Vincent said the experience taught him the importance of accountability, listening to people, and planning for community development. “I have learned that being a chairman is not just about giving orders. It is about serving the people and making sure their needs are met,” he said.

The substantive Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Akande who was present at the handover, commended the program and described it as “a way of catching them young and preparing future leaders.”

The One-Day Chairman program is part of efforts by the council to involve young people in governance and encourage them to take interest in public service.

Residents and staff who met Vincent during the tour praised his confidence and composure, noting that the exercise offered valuable lessons in leadership for both the boy and the council.