By Peter Omopo
The Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, has been elected President of the West African Region of the Young Elected Local Officials (YELO) Network under the umbrella of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa.
His emergence was announced in a statement issued by his media aide, Moshood Ajibola, following the ongoing YELO Summit in Dakhla, which is expected to conclude later on Thursday.
The YELO Network is a specialised body within UCLG Africa focused on promoting youth inclusion in governance, particularly among elected officials under the age of 35 across Africa’s subnational and municipal structures.
According to the statement, Obasa represented Nigeria at the continental gathering, which brought together young local government leaders from across the continent to deliberate on governance, leadership development and urban challenges.
Following his election as West Africa’s regional president, Obasa also declared his intention to contest for the continental presidency of the YELO Network. The election is scheduled to take place next week in Nouakchott.
In his remarks, Obasa described his emergence as a call to greater service, emphasising the need for young leaders across Africa to take responsibility in shaping inclusive and responsive governance at the grassroots level.
He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting youth participation, strengthening democratic institutions and advancing sustainable urban development across the region.
The summit in Dakhla focused on capacity building, exchange of best practices and preparing a new generation of political leaders equipped to address Africa’s growing urbanisation and governance challenges.
The YELO Network serves as a platform for young elected officials to engage in policy dialogue, share experiences and promote youth-driven leadership across Africa.
Obasa’s election is seen as part of a broader shift toward youth inclusion in governance across the continent, particularly at the local government level.
