A youth leader in Odidi Federated Community, Amb. Gbenekama Truston Gesikeme, in a congratulatory message, has tasked the newly inaugurated leadership of Odidi Youth Development Council led by Comrade Meneko Keneku Friday to view leadership as "a call to service".

According to Gbenekama, a former youth president and secretary of Odidi Federated Community, his message titled "Leadership: A Call to Active Service, Not a Title of Decoration – Strengthening the New Generation of Odidi Youths" is aimed at strengthening the youth leadership.

He wrote, "Let me use this medium to congratulate the newly inaugurated youth Leadership of Odidi Federated Community and send my advisory note to strengthen your leadership.

"In every community, there are defining moments—moments when new voices emerge, when fresh hands are empowered, and when the torches of responsibility are passed to those whose energies, ideas, and courage represent the promise of tomorrow. The inauguration of the new Youth Body in Odidi Community is one of such historic moments. It is a transition not merely of office, but of mindset; not simply of role, but of purpose.

"Too often, leadership is misunderstood. Many see it as a badge of honour, a symbol of prestige, or an ornament worn to command respect. Yet true leadership has never been about decorations. It is, fundamentally, a call to active service—a mandate to uplift, transform, and champion the collective wellbeing of one’s community," he added.

The youth leader, who is a member of the Doctoral Fellow Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management, stated further that leadership is beyond titles, but a task that requires noble action and stewardship. 

"A title may open doors, but only character, competence, and compassion keep them open. Leadership in Odidi requires more than occupying a seat; it requires occupying a mission and vision. It demands the humility to listen, the wisdom to discern, and the courage to act—even when the path is not easy.

"Youth leadership, especially in a community like Odidi with its rich minerals resources, cultural heritage and evolving development needs, is not a transaction but a stewardship. It is an invitation to build bridges, cultivate peace, foster unity, and ignite progress," he emphasised 

The peace ambassador, while drawing attention of the youth exco to the existing challenges facing the youth body and the community at large, listed that Odidi youths must embody Service-driven Leadership, Vision and Innovation, Integrity and Accountability, Unity and Inclusion, and Commitment to Community Development.

"The newly inaugurated youth leadership of Odidi steps into a landscape filled with both challenges and opportunities. Issues of community cohesion, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and youth engagement all demand strategic attention. What will distinguish this new era is not the eloquence of inaugural speeches, but the actions that follow. Odidi youths must embody:

"Service-Driven Leadership: A leader serves first. Service is the bedrock of trust, and trust is the engine of development. Whether organizing community initiatives, promoting peace, or supporting the vulnerable, service must be the heartbeat of every decision.

"Vision and Innovation: Today’s world requires leaders who see beyond the obvious. The youths of Odidi must think creatively—leveraging education, technology, partnerships, and local wisdom to craft solutions. Vision is the seed; action is the harvest.

"Integrity and Accountability: No community thrives where integrity is compromised. Let transparency guide your planning, your communication, and your handling of communal resources. Be accountable—not because people are watching, but because the future is listening.

"Unity and Inclusion: A fractured youth body cannot build a united community. Leadership must resist division, partisanship, and internal rivalry. Instead, foster unity across families, age grades, religious lines, and interest groups. A leader unites where others divide.

"Commitment to Community Development: Odidi’s development is a shared dream—one that requires consistency, sacrifice, and collaboration. From education and sports engagement to skills acquisition, environmental protection, and cultural renaissance, youths must champion community-driven development agendas."

Gbenekama noted that Odidi youths are the catalyst of change, "blessed with intelligent, energetic, and resourceful young people. What the community needs now is a new dawn—one powered by purposeful youth leadership" and that "The world has entered an era where youth voices shape politics, entrepreneurship, and community transformation", stressing that "Odidi must not be left behind."

He further counseled and charged Odidi youth exco leadership should "reflect the aspirations of the people. Let your actions heal old wounds, strengthen social ties, and position Odidi as a beacon of peaceful coexistence, innovation, and grassroots development.

"As you take up this sacred responsibility, let these truths guide you: Leadership is a burden before it becomes a blessing. Leadership is sacrifice before it becomes significance. Leadership is service before it becomes success.

"You are not called to be rulers but servants; not bosses but builders; not figureheads but pathfinders. Carry this mantle with dignity, humility, and unshakeable commitment. Posterity will judge not the title you held, but the impact you created," he cautioned.

Lastly, while calling on Odidi Youth Leadership to rise, build, and transform the community, he challenged them to lead responsibly towards building a progressive Odidi Federated Community.

"This is your moment—your season to rise. Let history record that the youth leadership inaugurated today 29th November 2025 in Odidi Community became a turning point, a catalyst for progress, peace, and generational transformation.

"Wear your title not as decoration, but as a responsibility. Serve with passion. Lead with integrity. Build with courage. And may Odidi Community shine brighter because you passed through its leadership stage.

"Congratulations and God bless you all."

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