Solomon Okoduwa: Champion of youth, vanquisher of irregular migration, and hero of hope

Hark, dear readers, to the grand tale of a noble crusader, Solomon Okoduwa, whose wisdom and stature belie the formidable challenges he hath taken upon himself to conquer. With a heart of gold and a vision like no other, he hath embarked on a valiant mission to thwart the treacherous path of illegal migration.

’Twas in the year of our Lord, 2011, when the winds of change swept across foreign lands, and a horde of weary returnees graced our shores. The clarion call for action arose, and lo, the Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration (IYAMIDR) didst emerge as a steadfast advocate for these wayward souls. With the support of Edo State Government under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led administration and other noble entities, they secured employment and vocational training for over 280 of these wanderers.

To safeguard our youth from the enchanting call of illegal migration, IYAMIDR embarked on a noble quest, joining forces with media houses to educate and enlighten young minds. Their objectives were as clear as the noonday sun – to instill patriotism and nurture skills, unveiling the bountiful opportunities that lie within our very borders.

As the sun and moon unite in the celestial dance, so too did the foundation collaborate with IYAMIDR, intensifying their campaign against the vile acts of human trafficking and irregular migration. The halls of learning became their battleground, where they dispelled ignorance and shielded the innocent from the clutches of deception.

Behold! Solomon Okoduwa, the valiant Coordinator and Executive Director of IYAMIDR, beseeched the young minds of Ogbe Senior Secondary School in Benin City to heed his words of caution. “Beware, dear youth, of deceitful promises that lead to foreign lands. ’Tis but a treacherous path that awaits thee,” he warned, his heart full of concern.

In the annals of history, let it be etched with quill and ink that Solomon Okoduwa and IYAMIDR fought for a better future, a future where our youth would flourish in the embrace of their homeland. Rejoice and celebrate their noble endeavors, for they have brought forth a beacon of light to guide our nation’s children.

In the wake of their noble efforts, we are gifted with lessons of wisdom and insight, like precious jewels gleaming in the moon’s gentle glow. From tackling critical challenges of irregular migration and youth unemployment, we learn the urgency of proactive measures and brighter prospects for our youth.

Their alliance with like-minded organizations and international institutes is akin to a symphony of harmony, for through such collaborations, greater impact and support are achieved. Solomon Okoduwa, a leader of vision, inspires others to join in the noble cause. With a clear vision and purpose, the path to transformation is paved.

As a blacksmith shapes iron into mighty swords, so doth Solomon Okoduwa empower the youth with technical and entrepreneurial skills, forging a prosperous future and contributing to economic growth. Engaging in partnerships with international entities unlocks a treasure chest of resources and funding, widening the horizon of possibilities. And investing in our youth, nurturing their potential, and fostering patriotism creates a resilient society, strong and united.

Through advocacy and awareness, they stir the hearts of many, rallying support and illuminating the path to positive change. By fostering job creation and entrepreneurship, local economies flourish like fields adorned with blooming flowers, enriching the entire community.

Solomon Okoduwa’s decade-long dedication stands as a monument to the virtues of steadfastness and unwavering commitment to pursuing long-term goals.

And thus, we at the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, shower commendations upon Solomon Okoduwa and IYAMIDR, for their noble endeavors have earned them high praise and admiration. We commend Solomon Okoduwa for his visionary leadership, a beacon of hope and inspiration to the welfare of our youth and the betterment of society.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude for IYAMIDR’s intensive advocacy, symposiums, and public enlightenment, for they have sown seeds of change that shall blossom with time. We commend Solomon Okoduwa for forging international partnerships with Italian training institutes, opening doors to boundless opportunities for Edo State’s youth.

We applaud Solomon Okoduwa’s unwavering focus on providing technical and entrepreneurial skills, empowering the youth to soar to new heights. Our commendations extend to IYAMIDR for their dedication to rehabilitating and reintegrating returnees, offering them a lifeline and a chance for a brighter tomorrow.

We celebrate Solomon Okoduwa’s unwavering emphasis on youth empowerment, instilling patriotism and skills development within the young hearts of Edo State.

Our commendations dance like stars in the night sky, reaching far and wide, for IYAMIDR’s commitment to addressing local challenges impacts communities in Edo North and Edo Central, like ripples upon a tranquil lake.

We commend Solomon Okoduwa for securing grants from the European Union, wielding resources like a skilled artisan, uplifting the youth and the economy. Our applause echoes like thunder in the heavens for IYAMIDR’s role in promoting entrepreneurship and job creation, a catalyst for driving economic growth and prosperity.

In a nutshell, let us celebrate the wisdom and efforts of Solomon Okoduwa and IYAMIDR, a symphony of hope, compassion, and empowerment. May their noble endeavors continue to illuminate the path of our nation’s youth, leading to a future of prosperity and fulfillment. With hearts full of gratitude and admiration, we stand united in their cause, forever inspired by their audacious quest to build a brighter and better world.

John Mayaki is the Country Director, Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa