Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu has admonished youths to be effective in their unionism, resilience, eschew harassment and self-centeredness, in order to bequeath an enduring legacy to future generations.

Prof. Arigbabu, who gave the admonition during the 10th Year Memorial Lecture of the former Chairman of Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and a unionist, Late Akogun Olusegun Okeowo, at Ewusi Palace Hall, Sagamu, described the educationist as a man of honour, substance and icon of unionism, worthy of emulation.

He enjoined youths, especially student unions in tertiary institutions to be focused, determined and have more interest in the welfare of their members, adding that the current administration in the state was committed to alleviating their plights and providing qualitative, accessible and affordable education.

While delivering his lecture titled, "Maximizing The Potentials of Students' Unionism For National Development", Arigbabu described the role of students' unionism in promoting civic education and participation as crucial, saying it serves as a platform for students to engage in various activities that could foster civic responsibility, awareness and active participation in democratic process.

The Commissioner further advised that student unions should “shun harassment and other vices but rather, promote civic education participation by providing educational resources, organising events, fostering leadership development and encouraging students to actively engage in their communities and the broader political landscape".

Speaking, the Chairman, TESCOM, Evang. Olalekan Ifede, charged student unions to follow in the footsteps of Okeowo by advocating for their right, saying they should avoid violence, be resilient and firm for a desirable and brighter future.

In his contribution, Ewusi of Makun, Sagamu, Oba Timothy Akinsanya, stated that the late Okeowo, popularly referred to as, 'ALIMUNGO', fought for justice and equity, thereby leaving an indelible landmark in the community, adding that nobody had been able to fill the vacuum since his demise.

Earlier, the daughter of the late icon, who is the Principal of Methodist Comprehensive High School Sagamu, Dr. Olubunmi Womiloju, described her father as a mentor, who had positively influenced the lives of all his children and everyone he came across, noting that he was a democrat, philosopher and educationist per excellence.