Osun Youth Dialogue: Stakeholders Harp on Inclusion, Policy and Empowerment for Youths in Governance

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

Youths in Osun State have been urged to look beyond political appointments and embrace broader opportunities for meaningful participation in governance and state development.

This call was made during the Osun Youth Dialogue, themed “The Role of Youth in Good Governance”, held in Osogbo on May 30, 2025 to foster critical conversations around youth inclusion in the state’s leadership and policy-making structures.

Speaking at the event, the convener and Special Assistant, Hon. AARE Abdumajeed Oladimeji Oyeniyi, Special Assistant on Youth Affairs to Governor of Osun State, emphasized that governance goes beyond holding political offices. He noted that the dialogue was convened to create a platform for youths to assess their place in governance and explore other avenues such as agriculture, ICT, and entrepreneurship.

“It’s not just about being appointed, there are many capable young people who are not in office but deserve opportunities. This dialogue is about engaging ourselves and pushing for empowerment across sectors that matter”, Oladimeji said.

He commended the Ademola Adeleke-led administration for breaking records in youth inclusion, citing the emergence of the youngest member ever in the Osun State House of Assembly as a testament to the governor’s commitment.

“We are privileged to have a governor who truly believes in the youth. The representation we see today in government has never happened before,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Comrade Adetunji Ajala, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community and Grassroots Engagement, highlighted key policy frameworks that have been implemented to promote youth development, such as the Modern Youth Law and the People Living with Disabilities Policy.

“Good governance starts with sound policies. These laws are empowering tools not just for active youth participation but also for ensuring inclusivity for youths living with disabilities,” he said.

Ajala stressed the importance of consistent engagement with youths at all levels and advocated for more dialogues beyond the state capital to reach marginalized communities.

“The most important empowerment now is mental—changing what the youth believe about governance and their roles. We must keep engaging them, listening, and equipping them with the right information to take charge of their future,” he added.

However, there’s a resolution to form a youth committee that will present targeted demands to the state government, particularly in the areas of ICT and agriculture, aiming to deepen youth empowerment in Osun State.

Amb. Moses Adewuyi (M-STAR), Chairman Planning Committee Osun Youth Dialogue 2025, said they came up with the ideas of bringing the youths together so as to brainstorm on how the youth can be self reliant

Adewuyi said: “As we all know that youth are the strength of the nation. And based on the creativity and the innovative aspect of the youth. That’s the reason why the young people, they need to be participating in the affairs of good governance.

He commended the present government for creating enabling environment for youth to bring their own policies that have positive impact on their lives.

“We can see that there is what we call youth inclusion, youth participation. That is what brings every one of us together to support the government of the day. And as a youth development expert, I would like to advice the government to continue to bring the youth together to enhance the positive change in our society.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Honourable Olagunju Moshood Olalekan, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth development, emphasizing their role in shaping the state’s future.

This, according to the Commissioner, aligns with the Governor Ademola Adeleke’s vision, which includes policies that center youth in implementation and engage them in advisory roles.

Olalekan who Itemized laudable achievements of the government through the ministry said the present administration has come up with various initiatives which includes Imole Youth Corps, part of the initiatives aim to create employment opportunities for the youth.

He noted that mechanism have been put in place to sustain the projects embarked upon by the ministry, lauding the state governor for releasing fund to execute the projects that have direct impact on the development of the youths in the state .

Olalekan commended the governor for being proactive in dealing decisively with issues having to do with youths to make positive impacts in their lives.

He, thereafter, urged the residents of the state , particularly youths to continue to support the administration of Governor Adeleke in his bid to take the state to greater heights.