NYCN Sagamu Condemns Ogun Assembly Member Hon. Damilare Bello’s Remarks On Youth Representation
By Oludare Joshua
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Sagamu Branch under the able leadership of Comrade Yusuf Adebayo, has issued a strong condemnation on remarks made by Hon. Omooba Damilare Mohammed Bello, popularly known as DRE; Member of the Ogun State of Assembly, representing Sagamu I (Offin) Constituency, during the recent Sagamu Youth Night event held on November 1st, 2025, at the Akarigbo Palace, Sagamu, Ogun State, in commemorating the 41st Sagamu Day Festival. Hon. DRE’s assertion that the only recognized youth body in Sagamu is the Sagamu Youth Association (SYA) has ignited considerable discontent among the youths of Sagamu and representatives.
In his speech, Hon. DRE advocated for the SYA as the sole legitimate body representing the youth in the Sagamu municipality, a claim that the NYCN firmly rebuts. Comrade Adebayo pointedly criticized the legislator’s comments not merely a matter of miscommunication but a potential catalyst for division among the youth in Sagamu, emphasizing that it reflect a concerning ignorance regarding the legislative framework governing youth representation in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by Comrade Adebayo, the NYCN Sagamu Branch expressed dismay and disappointment at Hon. Bello’s attempt to undermine the Sagamu NYCN. “We strongly condemn Hon. Bello’s speech, which we believe was aimed at creating confusion and division among the youth of Sagamu and to garner support for his political endeavors ahead of the 2027 elections, and we will not tolerate any attempt to undermine its authority”, Comrade Adebayo said, noting the underlying issue is Hon. DRE’s apparent lack of understanding of his responsibilities as a representative. “We want to remind Hon. Bello that the youth of Sagamu are not naive, and they will not be swayed by his antics. We urge him to focus on his legislative duties and respect the existing youth structures in Sagamu”, he added.
The NYCN urged Hon. DRE to provide clarity to the youth of Sagamu on the royal endorsement and legal constitutional backing for the SYA’s claimed exclusivity, while also challenging Hon. DRE being a legislator, to revisit the guiding principles laid out in both the Constitution of Nigeria and the Ogun State Constitution to clarify how SYA can be positioned as the sole recognized youth body.
The Sagamu NYCN expressed disappointment that a lawmaker like Hon. DRE would disregard the historical and constitutional significance of the NYCN, a national umbrella body for youth groups and associations throughout Nigeria, with a well-established presence across all states and local governments, including Ogun and Sagamu. “It is baffling how a significant legislative figure would undermine our national youth body, which was notably co-implemented by an indigene of Sagamu.
The NYCN went further, urging Hon. Bello to educate himself on the historical context and legitimacy of the NYCN as the recognized representative organization for all Nigerian youth. “It is troubling that a lawmaker like him would attempt to undermine such an important institution, especially one with roots in Sagamu,” Adebayo asserted. “We will not stand idly-by while our legacy and the commitments of our members are compromised for political gain.”
The statement also called on the people of Sagamu to disregard Hon. Bello’s speech and to continue to support the Sagamu NYCN, which has been at the forefront of promoting youth development and empowerment in the community. “If a member of the Ogun House of Assembly does not grasp the fundamental roles of the National Youth Council of Nigeria — the authoritative and recognized entity that serves as the umbrella body for all youth groups and associations across the nation — it signals a significant oversight in their legislative role,” Adebayo remarked.
As the NYCN continues to represent the collective voice of Nigerian youth, we call on Hon. DRE to recognize and embrace the strength of inclusion, rather than undermine established bodies for temporary political gain. The council firmly believes that understanding and respect for recognized frameworks is essential for creating a vibrant and effective youth community that can contribute positively to the socio-political landscape of Sagamu and beyond.
