The newly elected President of the Yoruba National Community Italy (YNCI), Abolaji Adedayo, has unveiled an agenda anchored on integrity, inclusiveness and youth empowerment, just as he promised to reposition the diaspora body as a model of transparent and participatory leadership.

In his acceptance speech at the inauguration of the new executive council over the weekend in Padova, Italy, Adedayo assured that his administration would prioritise accountability in governance, while ensuring that every member of the community, irrespective of age or background, had a voice in decision-making.

Adedayo emphasised that his emergence was not a personal victory, but a collective mandate to strengthen unity and deepen cultural identity among Yoruba indigenes in Italy.

He noted that promoting inclusiveness would be critical to bridging generational gaps and unlocking the full potential of the community.

He expressed that the new leadership would focus on empowering young people, creating opportunities for broader participation and building stronger connections within the diaspora and with host communities in Italy.

He said: “I pledge to lead with integrity, discipline, inclusiveness, dedication, transparency and accountability. I also want to entrench a reform-driven leadership.

“This moment is not about one person, but it reflects our shared commitment to unity, culture and progress. Together, we will build bridges across generations and create opportunities for all.”

Besides, the immediate past President of the community, Kolawole Oladele, in his handover note, mentioned some achievements of his administration since coming onboard a few years ago.

According to him, the administration had boosted financial transparency, membership growth and cultural promotion initiatives.
Oladele called on members to rally behind the new executive to sustain progress and elevate the standing of the Yoruba community among Nigerian diaspora organisations globally.

In her presentation at the ceremony, youth representative, Faidat Durowoju commended the new president for recognising the role of young people, noting that they are often sidelined despite being described as the future.

He charged the new leadership to trust the competence of the Yoruba youth in Italy and appealed to the leadership to translate its inclusiveness pledge into concrete action for all.

Other elected executive members are Vice President, Aderoju Oyewo; General Secretary, Michael Bamgbose; Treasurer, Oluwuyiwa Opafola; Financial Secretary, Monsuru Hassa; Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adetona; Socio-Cultural Officer, Adeola Adefowowe and Provost, Adekunle Orelaja.