*Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola-YAYI.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has been honoured with the Icon of Development and Youth Inclusion Award by the City Boys Movement (CBM), Ogun State, in recognition of his contributions to development and commitment to youth participation in governance and political processes.
Adeola, the Ogun West Senator and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, received the recognition on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Ake Palace Pavilion, Abeokuta, during the inauguration of the Ogun State Executive Council of the City Boys Movement.
The event brought together political leaders, government officials, community stakeholders and youth representatives, providing a platform for the movement to unveil its state leadership and articulate its political objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A major feature of the inauguration was the recognition of Adeola for what the organisers described as his contributions to infrastructure and human development, as well as his advocacy for the inclusion of young people in leadership and decision-making.
The award, according to the organisers, was intended to celebrate leadership that places development, empowerment and opportunities for the younger generation at the centre of public service.
The occasion also witnessed a renewed declaration of political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the City Boys Movement pledging to mobilise two million votes for the President in the 2027 electoral cycle.
The pledge reflected the group’s declared support for Tinubu’s administration and its political vision, as well as its intention to mobilise its grassroots structures and youth membership in support of the President and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The inauguration was attended by prominent political and government figures, including Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
Also present was the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Kunle Salako, while High Chief Bode Mustapha, the Osi of Egbaland, joined other political leaders, government officials, stakeholders and youth representatives at the ceremony.
The gathering provided an opportunity for speakers and participants to emphasise the role of young people in political participation and the need for inclusive leadership as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle.
Beyond partisan politics, the event highlighted the growing importance of youth mobilisation and participation in shaping development priorities at both state and national levels.
For Adeola, the recognition comes against the backdrop of his campaign for the Ogun State governorship in 2027 and his articulation of an agenda focused on economic growth, infrastructure, job creation, youth empowerment and improved opportunities for residents.
His supporters have consistently presented his political aspiration as an extension of his legislative and development-oriented activities, particularly his emphasis on infrastructure and initiatives targeted at young people and other vulnerable groups.
The award also reinforces the political significance of youth organisations and grassroots movements in the 2027 political contest, particularly in Ogun State, where political parties and aspirants are intensifying consultations, mobilisation and coalition-building ahead of the election.
The inauguration of the CBM state executive therefore served both as an organisational milestone for the movement and as a demonstration of the increasing involvement of youth-focused groups in the state’s political process.
The event underscored the argument that sustainable development requires not only physical infrastructure but also investment in human capital and the deliberate creation of opportunities for younger Nigerians to participate meaningfully in governance.
For the City Boys Movement, honouring Adeola was consequently presented as a celebration of leadership whose impact, in the words of the organisers, should inspire hope, create opportunities and contribute to a lasting legacy for future generations.
The development comes as political activities gather momentum in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general election, with the APC and other political parties increasingly engaging stakeholders and grassroots groups across the state.