How scouting can help develop youths —UI DVC

PRESIDENT of the Oyo State Scout Council and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration at the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olapegba, has stated that deepening the ideals of scouting can help the country develop its youths.

He noted that the foundation of the Scout Movement is in the primary and secondary schools, adding that we must go back and strengthen that foundation because a building is as strong as its foundation.

Prof. Olapegba, who spoke at the 2024 annual general meeting of the Scout Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Scout Council, held at the Oyo Local Association Camp site, stated further that a sustainable future without disciplining the young ones is a mirage.

The newly elected president of the association also said he does not take the trust reposed in him for granted and would not betray it.

According to him, it is a call to service and a rare opportunity to contribute his quota to the development of the Scout Movement, not just in Oyo State but globally.

He said he was introduced to scouting at the tender age of 10 years as a primary five pupil in St. Paul’s African Church Primary School, Lanlate, and the scouting years made lasting impression on him in his formative years.

Prof Olapegba said his focus as president will be to take scouting activities back to the primary and secondary schools by resuscitating comatose chapters and creating the movement in schools that never had one; providing support for indigent pupils and inaugurating scout chapters in tertiary institutions for continuation of scouting activities.