Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday said former Senate President Bukola Saraki remains his mentor and political guide.
Governor Adeleke said he learnt politics under Saraki and described him as his political radar for life.
He spoke at a Peoples Democratic Party organised youth summit held to mark Saraki’s 63rd birthday at the Alca Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Represented by his senior special assistant, Bamikole Omishore, Adeleke said his political journey began 14 years ago in Kwara State under Saraki.
“Exactly 14 years ago, I first set foot in Kwara State. I was recruited by Dr Saraki at a time when I had no clear political direction, only passion, a young man in his late twenties, eager to contribute and to learn.
“Since then, his mentorship, discipline, guidance, and political education have remained integral to my personal, political, and professional journey,” he stated.
The Osun governor urged youths to take charge of their future through active participation in partisan politics, with dedication and resilience.
He said Kwara State has produced leaders of national relevance and would continue to do so, adding that the next phase requires disciplined and service driven youths.
Responding, Saraki said the celebration would have taken a different form but for banditry and insecurity in the state.
“The killings in the state and the general insecurity do not permit flamboyant celebration of the day,” he said.
He described the summit as an opportunity for engagement between older politicians and the youth, whom he said make up about 70 percent of Nigeria’s population.
“The future of Kwara and Nigeria at large depends on the people here in the hall,” he stated, adding that “there must be commitment, determination and resilience to achieve a better Kwara and an improved Nigeria.”
Saraki advised youths not to mortgage their future or follow leaders blindly.
“Don’t follow any leader blindly; you must choose and follow the right leadership with open eyes, not blindly. At this point, it is time for us all to fight and make Kwara better with determination,” he said.
Meanwhile, PDP leaders and members described Saraki as a rallying point for the party.
The state PDP Women Wing leader, Aminat Ishola, said Saraki remains a dependable pillar of the party and a national political figure who has provided direction at critical moments.
She said his leadership has been inclusive and noted his support for women in politics.
“He has continued to create opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to party affairs,” she said.
Also speaking, the PDP Youth Leader in the state, Adio Odunjo, said Saraki’s public service record reflected a commitment to youth inclusion.
He recalled that during Saraki’s tenure as governor, young people made up a large part of the cabinet and that as Senate President, he appointed many youths as legislative aides.
Odunjo also referenced the Not Too Young To Run Bill as one of the youth focused legislative efforts under Saraki’s leadership.
In his remarks, the state PDP chairman, Isa Bawa, said the party provides space for youths and women in politics.
He described Bukola Saraki as a leader committed to service, inclusion and empowerment.
