Ondo North Youth Alliance must Stop Crying Wolf – Manuex Place is a formal business center not a political Office
Group fires back at Senator Ipinsagba’s critics
Mallam Olusola Farouq.
It shouldn’t be an insurmountable challenge for anyone familiar with the nuances of entrepreneurship to grasp the fundamental principle that business thrives when individuals, friends, and family alike are willing to compensate for the services provided. This is especially evident in ventures as straightforward as pure water sales.
Manuex Place operates as a formal business entity, complete with a well-structured management team and an appointed board of directors. Given this structured setup, it is entirely reasonable for the business to expect payment for the services it offers. If members of the board are expected to remit payment for the services they receive, what justifiable reason exists for a prospective customer, especially one with political ties to a director, not to do the same?
Those familiar with Senator Jide Ipinsagba can attest that he possesses a remarkable ability to delineate the boundaries of business, politics, and personal enjoyment. He often advises those around him to keep political discussions separate from the business environment. When socializing with his supporters, he typically emphasizes, “Let’s simply enjoy ourselves and set politics aside for the moment.”
Thus, the outdated and exaggerated claim of requiring payment of 2,000 Naira merely for the chance to meet a Distinguished Senator should be outrightly dismissed. The notion that one must pay to see the Senator in hopes of receiving a favor in return is utterly misconstrued; in fact, it is typically the opposite visitors often receive gifts or gestures of goodwill without any financial obligation. Documentation of financial transactions involving Ondo Youths Network Alliance ( ONYA) and its leaders (the two factions) could further substantiate this reality.
Reflecting on an incident from last year, a group of articulate young individuals who seemed well-versed in the political landscape arranged a courtesy visit to the Senator in Abuja. Their meeting took place at Haris Hotel, lasting more than two hours. While I cannot recall whether these young attendees rendered any form of payment to gain an audience with the Senator, I distinctly remember the generous offerings the Senator presented to them. Notably, he arrived at the venue ahead of schedule, waiting approximately 45 minutes for these intellectuals to gather and organize themselves. During their discussions, they pledged unwavering loyalty to the Senator and expressed their desire to be regarded as the “Senator Boys.”
It is disheartening and perplexing to witness this group of supposed intellectuals, the very individuals who once sought the Senator’s guidance, now engaging in unwarranted vitriol across various media platforms. One cannot help but question the reasoning behind their altercations and where their intellectual integrity has vanished.
Even though their recent uproar lacks a solid foundation, it is crucial to rectify the facts. With regard to Youth Inclusiveness, it is important to highlight that many of the empowerment initiatives led by the Senator have been realigned towards the upliftment of young individuals. Numerous members and executives of ONYA have benefitted from these programs firsthand. Furthermore, a WhatsApp group was established by ONYA to facilitate direct communication and interaction between the Senator and his team and the youth involved.
On the matter of accountability, how can one truly demonstrate accountability if they are fulfilling responsibilities as expected and within the designated timelines?
I must strongly urge Ondo Network Youth Alliance (ONYA) and its leaders to cease their cries of distress, lest they find themselves in a predicament akin to the fable of the boy who cried wolf. For those who may be unfamiliar with this tale or have long forgotten its moral, allow me to offer a brief recap to refresh their minds.
In a quaint village, a young boy tasked with tending sheep often entertained himself by fabricating stories of wolves attacking his flock. Each time he raised a false alarm, the villagers rushed to his aid, only to discover he had deceived them for amusement. Eventually, when a genuine wolf did appear and threatened his sheep, the boy darted back to the village for help. This time, however, the villagers dismissed him, convinced it was yet another of his fraudulent tales.
In recent times, this trend of calling upon leaders for assistance, often through monetary appeals, has become a prevalent behaviour among youth. This troubling pattern undermines their opportunities for meaningful engagement and stifles their capacity for authentic advocacy. It is imperative that we collectively put an end to this cycle.
They should stop crying wolf.
