How AMBO’s Passion for Youth Development Changed My Life

A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has recounted how the support he received from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, changed the course of his life.

The alumnus, who graduated from OAU about seven years ago, shared his experience while reflecting on an interactive session between Oyebamiji and youths in Osun State.

According to him, he first met AMBO shortly after completing secondary school, at a time when financial difficulties had forced him to put his university ambitions on hold.

He said he began working to save money for his education and, during that period, had the opportunity to work for Oyebamiji.

He explained that AMBO later began asking about his long-term goals and encouraged him to pursue higher education. Through their conversations, he said he discovered his interest in Applied Geophysics.

The alumnus said he eventually gained admission to OAU and was able to pay his acceptance fee and some initial expenses, but faced another financial setback when the university increased its tuition fees that year.

He said Oyebamiji and his family subsequently offered to pay his tuition, a gesture he described as a major turning point in his life.

“Throughout my undergraduate years, AMBO checked on me, encouraged me and provided support whenever I needed it,” he said.

According to him, the support continued after the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), when he expressed his ambition to pursue graduate studies abroad.

He said Oyebamiji sponsored his GRE and TOEFL examinations and assisted with his graduate school application fees.

The alumnus added that he later secured a fully funded scholarship to pursue a master’s degree and has since continued his academic journey towards a PhD.

He described Oyebamiji’s intervention as particularly significant because, according to him, the politician had never met his parents before deciding to support his education.

“The remarkable thing is that AMBO had never met my parents. He simply chose to invest in the future of a young man who had a dream,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to Oyebamiji, his wife, Sekinat Oyebamiji, and their family, the OAU alumnus said their support came at a critical period of his life.

“Your kindness changed my life, and I will never forget it,” he said.

He also urged voters in Osun State not to exchange their votes for money during the 2026 governorship election, stressing the need for leaders who would prioritise education and youth development.

“To the people of Osun State, please do not sell your votes for any amount of money. Remember the future of the youths and children. We need someone who believes in education and will invest in it,” he said.

The testimony comes as political parties intensify their campaigns and engagements with voters ahead of the Osun State governorship election.