…Defends Him Against Online Attacks
Humanitarian activist and social entrepreneur, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, has reaffirmed his strong support for Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, describing him as the best youth minister in Nigeria’s history.
In a statement on Sunday, Iyere dismissed online attacks against Olawande, which he said were allegedly sponsored by selfish political interests threatened by the minister’s inclusive and visionary leadership.
Iyere highlighted Olawande’s accessibility and commitment to young people, pointing to the “youth helpdesk” digital platform that enables Nigerian youths to voice their concerns and access government services.
He praised Olawande’s humility, simplicity and modesty, declaring that the minister remains Nigeria’s most egalitarian public servant.
“He still sees himself as that same struggling conductor he used to be, without allowing his present social status to derail his sense of empathy, compassion, and consideration for others,” Comrade Iyere said.
Iyere further commended Olawande’s initiatives to tackle youth unemployment and poverty, citing the Youth Economic Intervention and De‑Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP), which has already recruited over six million youths and aims to create 20 million jobs through the Cooperative Farmers and Agro‑Allied Entrepreneurs Programme (CYFAEP).
Iyere urged those behind the media attacks to desist, warning that their efforts would fail in the face of Olawande’s proven dedication to the youth and his vision for a better Nigeria.
He said: *“Comrade Olawande remains Nigeria’s most egalitarian Minister. Even as a Minister today, he still sees himself as that same struggling conductor he used to be, without allowing his present social status to derail his sense of empathy, compassion and consideration for others.
“His level of humility, simplicity and modesty has no comparison. He remains the best man to represent the youths of Nigeria any day, anytime and anywhere. As a Minister, he still places himself in the same position he used to be, as that poor street boy struggling every day to make ends meet.
“He feels the impulse of Nigerian youths, and it is the reason he devises and supports programs that will help ameliorate the economic hardship, sufferings and pains faced by Nigerian youths,”* Iyere said.
