The Torch has been lit, Now let service answer….
My dear people of Oyo State, 31st August 2026, will remain deeply engraved in our hearts.
What we witnessed was more than a gathering. It was more than a ceremony. It was a powerful demonstration of the spirit, hope and collective aspirations of our people.
From different parts of Oyo State and beyond, men and women, youths and elders, traders, artisans, professionals, community leaders and people from all walks of life came together in overwhelming numbers.
I stand today with a heart overflowing with gratitude.
Thank you, Oyo State.
Thank you for your love, your sacrifice, your support and your overwhelming presence.Your participation demonstrated once again that when people believe in a cause, their voice cannot be ignored.
We were deeply honoured by the presence of the Federal Government through the distinguished representation of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, at this important inauguration.
Her representation was a powerful affirmation of the importance attached to women, youth empowerment, grassroots participation and the collective aspiration for a better Nigeria.
To the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, who represented Her Excellency, we express our profound appreciation for bringing the goodwill, encouragement and support of the First Lady to the people of Oyo State.
But beyond the dignitaries, beyond the stage and beyond the celebration, the true heroes of yesterday were the people.
Looking across that massive gathering, I saw hope, I saw expectation, I saw determination.
Most importantly, I saw ordinary Nigerians who have refused to surrender their belief that tomorrow can be better than today.
That is the true meaning of the Torch Bearer initiative.
It is not merely about carrying a torch. It is about lighting lives. It is about taking hope to communities that need it. It is about reminding the market woman that she matters.
It is about telling the struggling artisan that his contribution matters.It is about assuring our young people that their future matters. It is about empowering women to become stronger pillars of their families, communities and the economy. It is about building a bridge between leadership and the grassroots.
A Torch Bearer must therefore understand that the torch is not an ornament, It is a responsibility.
The torch we carry must illuminate the path of the people. It must lead us to service. It must lead us to compassion. It must lead us to unity. And above all, it must lead us to action.
Monday 31st overwhelming turnout has therefore placed a great responsibility upon every one of us.
The message from the people is clear:
Serve us.
Listen to us.
Stand with us.
Support our aspirations.
Create opportunities for our children.
And do not allow the hope we have expressed to be wasted. That is the responsibility that comes with leadership.
I sincerely appreciate our traditional rulers, respected leaders, women, youths, traders, artisans, volunteers, organisers and every individual and organisation that contributed to the success of this historic occasion.
To those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition, we see you, and we appreciate you. History may remember those who stood on the stage, but let history also remember the thousands of ordinary people whose presence, energy and commitment gave meaning to the occasion. Because no movement can become truly great without the people. No leader can succeed without the trust of the people. No government can prosper while disconnected from the people. And no nation can move forward when its citizens lose hope.
On Monday 31st, Oyo State demonstrated that hope is alive. The massive turnout was not simply about numbers. It was an expression of faith, participation and confidence in the possibility of a better tomorrow.
As we celebrate this milestone, however, let us remember that celebration is not the destination. The real work begins now. Every Torch Bearer must become a beacon of hope. Every Torch Bearer must become an ambassador of peace. Every Torch Bearer must become a servant of the people.
Every Torch Bearer must become a voice for those whose voices are often unheard. Let us reject hatred, violence and division. Let us embrace unity, constructive engagement and purposeful service.
We may come from different political backgrounds. We may belong to different communities. We may speak different languages and hold different opinions.But we share one future.
Nigeria is our collective responsibility. Oyo State is our collective responsibility.
The future of our children is our collective responsibility. On Monday, we carried the torch.
Today, we must carry the responsibility. On Monday we celebrated. Today, we must begin the work. On Monday the people gathered. Today, we must ensure that their hope is not wasted.
Let the torch burn, not with the fire of anger, but with the light of hope.
Let it shine in our villages.
Let it shine in our markets.
Let it shine in our schools.
Let it shine in the lives of our women. Let it shine in the dreams of our young people.
And let it shine as a symbol of our collective belief in a better, stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
To everyone who travelled from far and near, sacrificed time, energy and resources, and stood with us, I say thank you.
Most importantly, to the good people of Oyo State, thank you for writing history with your feet, your voices and your overwhelming presence.
When history asks what happened on the 31st of August 2026, let it be said: That the people came.
The people stood together.
The people carried hope.
And the Torch was lit.
May that light never go out.
May it continue to illuminate the path towards a better Nigeria.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless Oyo State.
God bless our women and youth.
God bless every Torch Bearer.
THE TORCH HAS BEEN LIT.
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN.
NOW, LET SERVICE ANSWER.
Chief (Engr.) Dr. Jubril Dotun Sanusi
Okanlomo Oódua | Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland
