Hundreds of youths and women across Ogun State benefited from various empowerment initiatives on Saturday as the Redemption Mission Group (RMG) held its Renewed Hope Youth Mega Empowerment and Award Programme 2025 (1.0).
The programme, which took place on January 10, 2026, attracted top political leaders, APC party stakeholders and community leaders from Abeokuta North, Obafemi Owode, Odeda, Abeokuta South and Ifo local government areas.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Daisi Elemide urged leaders to start grooming youths to take leadership positions in order for the country to overcome future leadership crises.
Elemide opined that nobody attains power on the platter of gold, said to attain leadership position, it involves a lot of hard work, perseverance adding that nobody can become Chairman of a local government or attain any political leadership overnight.
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Elemide, praised the organisers for sustaining a people-oriented initiative.
Also speaking, Convener and President of RMG, Hon. Oyekunle Adebayo, JP, OBA, described the programme as a platform to restore hope, empower the grassroots and complement government efforts at inclusive development.
Adebayo, who addressed the gathering in an emotional speech, traced the origin of RMG to the “Dove Meeting” organised by loyalists of the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide.
He disclosed that Elemide encouraged him to establish an independent group and graciously handed over the name “Redemption Mission Group,” a gesture he described as the foundation upon which the organisation was built.
According to Adebayo, RMG has grown from a small political support group into a platform that produces legislative aides, special assistants and political appointees serving at both state and local government levels.
He also acknowledged the continuous support of Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba, whom he described as a pillar and dependable ally of the group since its inception.
Paying tribute to elder statesman and former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Adebayo said the veteran politician adopted and mentored the group, providing guidance, correction and encouragement.
He further appreciated Chief Joseph Olusegun James for his financial and moral support, noting that such backing sustained RMG through challenging periods.
The convener used his personal story to inspire young people, stating that his emergence from Alagbagba, a once obscure community, showed that background should not limit ambition or success.
He urged youths to remain focused, humble and committed to service, assuring them that dedication would attract mentors and opportunities.
Highlighting the objectives of the programme, Adebayo said beneficiaries received motorcycles, tricycles, generators, sewing machines, freezers, livestock packs and cash grants to boost entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
He explained that the empowerment initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Dapo Abiodun’s ISEYA development framework.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Leadership in Public Service Award to Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba, representing Abeokuta North, Obafemi Owode and Odeda Federal Constituency.
The award recognised Osoba’s legislative performance, commitment to grassroots development and contributions to socio-economic advancement in Ogun State and Nigeria.
Osoba, while receiving the award, commended RMG for prioritising youth empowerment and urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the support provided.
The programme also witnessed the presentation of Awards to the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr Folashade Adeyemo and many others
Other dignitaries at the event included the Executive Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Hon. Afolasade Adeyemo; SSA to the Governor on Energy, Hon. Olufemi Omisanjo; and SA on Youth and Sports, Hon. Olamide Lawal.
Also in attendance were the Odeda APC Chairman, Hon. Saka Musulumi; National BOT Chairman of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Chief Sesan Showunmi; Chief Joseph James; and several party leaders and stakeholders.
The organisers concluded the event with a pledge that RMG would continue to expand its empowerment programmes, sustain community development initiatives and keep hope alive among the people of Ogun State.
