By Ghazali Ibrahim
Former Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Dr. Seriki Muritala, has thrown his weight behind Damilare Orimoloye, popularly known as Dammy, as the party’s new youth leader.
Seriki, who described Orimoloye as his friend and brother of almost a decade, said he was confident that the new youth leader would sustain the progress made during his tenure while introducing fresh ideas and opportunities for young members of the party.
In a congratulatory message obtained by BlackBox Nigeria, Seriki said one of his major concerns towards the end of his tenure was finding a successor capable of sustaining the momentum and legacy built under his leadership.
He said Orimoloye possesses the “courage, energy, resilience and political commitment” required to take the APC youth movement in Lagos to the next level.
Orimoloye, a professional psychologist with B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees and a Ph.D. in view, currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Grassroots Sports.
Seriki said his successor’s understanding of grassroots engagement and youth empowerment would be valuable in his new role.
“I have no doubt that Damilare will build on what we have started and bring his own ideas, energy and vision to the leadership of our youth structure,” he said.
The former youth leader also pledged to remain involved in the youth movement despite leaving the office, promising to support Orimoloye and work with him.
“I may have left the office of Youth Leader, but I have certainly not left the cause. I will stand firmly with Dammy, support him and work with him to the very end,” Seriki said.
He urged Lagos APC youths to remain committed to the party and distinguish themselves in their various endeavours, while calling on party leaders, government officials, NGOs and other stakeholders who supported his tenure to extend the same support to the new leadership.
Seriki, who is also the APC candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly in Kosofe Constituency II, ended his message by posing a challenge to his successor.
His slogan during his tenure was “Reconnecting the Dots.”
“Dammy, a quick public question: my slogan as Youth Leader was ‘RECONNECTING THE DOTS.’ What will yours be?” he asked.
He expressed optimism that Orimoloye’s tenure would bring greater opportunities, growth and impact to young people in Lagos.
