The Oyo State Agency for Youth Development marked its first anniversary celebration at the Oyo State Local Government Hall in Ibadan, with a renewed commitment to empowering the state’s youth. The event, which brought together prominent stakeholders and youth leaders, featured a keynote lecture by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the Chairman Conference Of Speakers In Nigeria Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, and a goodwill message from the Chairman Aweni Communications Ltd/Founder Solutions FM and the Aare Egbe Omo Balogun Of Ibadanland, Chief Adgboyega Taofeek Adegoke.
The Chairman Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana stated that the agency has made meaningful progress in realizing its vision for a brighter, more prosperous future.
According to Hon. Falana, the agency’s mission is to unlock the potential of Oyo State’s youth by providing access to opportunities, skills, and partnerships that foster growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Over the past year, the agency has achieved several notable milestones, including:
- Training over 5,000 youths in digital skills, equipping them with tools to thrive in a fast-changing technological world.
- Empowering hundreds of young men and women in vocational and technical skill acquisition programs, turning talent and passion into productive enterprises.
- Engaging young entrepreneurs across the state, forging partnerships that expand skills training, mentorship, and support.
The agency has also strengthened its capacity to deliver on its mandate by recruiting 85 new staff members with the approval of Governor Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde. Additionally, the agency is working towards establishing a purpose-built administrative headquarters, symbolizing its commitment to youth development in Oyo State.
Hon. Falana expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his visionary leadership and support for youth development in the state. He also appreciated his dedicated staff, development partners, and the youth of Oyo State for their resilience, innovation, and courage to dream.
The agency’s future plans include expanding skill acquisition programs, promoting youth participation in agriculture through the Youth Agripreneur Program, strengthening partnerships with local and international organizations, and advocating for policies that prioritize youth employment, education, and empowerment.
In his keynote lecture, the speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman Conference Of Speakers In Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin lauded the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, for his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and active engagement in governance.
The lecture titled “Empowering Voices, Shaping Futures” at the 1st Anniversary Celebration of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Developmentat, the Speaker highlighted the pivotal role of youth inclusion in decision-making processes, asserting that such involvement is essential for the state’s sustainable development and progress.
“Hon. Falana’s dedication to fostering youth participation in governance is commendable. His initiatives have not only provided platforms for young people to express their ideas but have also ensured that their voices are integral to our policy formulation and implementation.
“Under Hon. Falana’s leadership, the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development has launched several programs aimed at equipping youths with necessary skills and opportunities. These include digital innovation training, entrepreneurship workshops, and leadership development seminars, all designed to prepare the younger generation for active roles in the state’s socio-economic landscape. “
According to him, the era of excluding youths from decision-making and political processes is virtually coming to an end globally.
He stressed that the vibrancy of youths makes them indispensable and relevant, and their inclusion in politics should be encouraged.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin emphasized that Oyo state’s commitment to youth inclusion is not merely symbolic but a strategic approach to harnessing the energy, creativity, and innovation that young people bring to the table.
He called on other stakeholders to support and expand such initiatives, ensuring that the youth are not only beneficiaries but also active contributors to Oyo State’s growth and development.
In a goodwill message, Chief Adeboyega Taofeek Adegoke, Chairman Aweni Communications Ltd/Founder, Solutions FM and the Aare Egbe Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, who served as the chairman of the occasion and father of the day, commended the agency’s chairman, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, and his team for their hard work and dedication to youth development. He emphasized the importance of effective leadership in driving progress and praised the governor, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, for their positive impact on the state.
Chief Adegoke highlighted the need to harness the energy of Nigeria’s large youth population and provide them with the right training and empowerment. He expressed encouragement at the agency’s efforts to train and empower youth, rather than just providing temporary solutions.
The event also featured the launch of a compendium, which was supported by Chief Adegoke with a donation of ₦10 million. The chairman of the agency, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, was commended for his visionary leadership and commitment to youth development.
The celebration was a testament to the agency’s progress and commitment to empowering the youth of Oyo State. Chief Adegoke’s support and endorsement underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in driving positive change and development in the state.
The event was well attended by prominent personalities, including Hon. Bass Adigun Agboworin, Member Representing Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency; Hon. Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Local Government; Hon. Demola Omotosho, Chairman, Housing Corporation; Mogaji Dr. Akin Fagbemi, Chairman, Hospital Management Board; Former Commissioner for Works, Prof. Raphael Afonja; Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, Member, representing Ib North State House of Assembly Constituency 2; Hon. Olusola Owolabi, Ib Northeast State House of Assembly Constituency 1; Hon. Waheed Akintayo, Oluyole State Constituency; and several local government chairmen, including Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, Chairman Egbeda LG & the Chairman of the Association Of Local Government of Nigeria; Hon. Akeem Olatunji, Oluyole LG Chairman; Hon. Wole Akinleye, and Hon. Seun Olufade, Chairman Ib North LG.
Other attendees included Hon. Michael Ogunsina, PDP Youth Leader & Acting P.R.O; Hon. Victor Olojede, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs; Hon. Adeniyi Adeyinka Bibire, Ibadan North House of Representatives aspirant; and Hon. Olalere Solomon (Ere), among others.
