By Olanrewaju Oluseyi, Former President, Akoko North West Students’ Union Government (ANWSUG)
In every era, there emerges a shining light someone whose actions speak louder than accolades, whose passion for service breaks boundaries, and whose story inspires generations. One of such rare individuals is Alabi Olabode, a proud son of Ogbagi-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Recently honored with the President’s NYSC Honours Award, Alabi Olabode is not just a symbol of national pride but a living testament to what purposeful youth leadership should be. His achievements during his service year in Plateau State have echoed far beyond state borders touching lives, building hope, and inspiring change.
More Than Just a Corp Member: A Nation Builder
Alabi Olabode didn’t just serve Nigeria; he gave back, lifted others, and left a legacy. From the moment he arrived at the NYSC Orientation Camp, he stood out, not for fanfare, but for purpose. He served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS), where he gave corps members a voice and inspired them to think beyond uniforms and allowances.
He later worked at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Jos, where he deployed his ICT knowledge to design a digital data system that enhanced departmental productivity. But beyond the walls of his PPA, Alabi took the streets, schools, and communities of Jos by storm, changing lives, one initiative at a time.
A Legacy of Impact That Can’t Be Forgotten
Here’s why Alabi Olabode deserves to be celebrated as a national treasure by both Ondo State and Akoko North West Local Government:
Education Reviver
Donated over 240 textbooks and writing materials to LEA Primary School and RCM School in Jos.
Launched reading competitions, debates, and book clubs to revive academic excellence.
Reawakened the joy of learning in pupils who had lost hope in education.
Healthcare Lifesaver
Mobilized funds to rehabilitate the Primary Health Centre in Rantya, Jos, which had been in terrible shape.
Today, hundreds of locals especially women and children now access better healthcare, thanks to his intervention. Litte wonder the community instal him as High Chief Gwom zele( Chief Philanthropist)
Peace Ambassador
Partnered with CEPAN (a Jos-based peacebuilding NGO) to produce radio and TV jingles in Hausa and English promoting peace, non-violence, and national unity.
His voice didn’t just call for peace it carried healing messages across conflict-prone areas of Plateau State.
Youth Inspiration
Served as a mentor to students, corps members, and community youth.
Proved that you don’t need political power to make change just vision, commitment, and action.
A Pride to Akoko Land and Ondo State
Alabi Olabode’s achievement is not just his, it is a victory for Ogbagi-Akoko, Akoko North-West, and all of Ondo State. He has lifted our name high, earned national recognition, and shown that great things can come from our soil.
Let’s not wait for the world to celebrate him before we do.
•Let the Ondo State Government honour him officially.
•Let the Chairman of Akoko North West Local Government host a civic reception in his name.
•Let schools, youth groups, and community associations adopt his story as a model of service and leadership.
•Let our traditional rulers bless and encourage him to go even further.
The Bigger Picture: The People Who Have Benefited
This is not just a personal success story. Over 1,000 school children, hundreds of patients, teachers, youth, parents, and radio listeners have directly benefited from Alabi Olabode’s projects. Communities in Jos today speak his name with gratitude. Corps members look up to him. Children read because of him. And a once-forgotten health centre now gives life because he cared.
Final Words
As the former President of Akoko North West Students’ Union Government (ANWSUG), I am immensely proud to associate with a trailblazer like Alabi Olabode. He has raised the bar for what it means to be an Akoko son, a Nigerian youth, and a servant-leader.
To every young person out there: Let Alabi’s story remind you that greatness begins with a steps and that step can begin with service.
Congratulations, Alabi Olabode. You are more than an awardee, you are a national treasure.
Signed:
Olanrewaju Oluseyi
Former President, ANWSUG
Akoko North West LGA
Date: July 30, 2025
