OLALEKAN ONI
Hope was reignited among young people in Osun State at a youth stakeholders’ meeting organised by the APC Youths, Osun State, in collaboration with the City Boy Movement, Osun State Chapter, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial flag bearer, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), unveiled his bold, youth-centred vision for the state.
Addressing a gathering of youth leaders, party faithful, and grassroots mobilisers, Asiwaju Oyebamiji made it unequivocally clear that his administration, if elected, would place youths at the very centre of governance and development. He emphasised that young people would not merely serve as foot soldiers during the campaign but would be active participants and decision-makers in his government, with their voices heard loudly and respected at all levels.
The former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) outlined a comprehensive strategy to tackle youth unemployment and economic exclusion. According to him, his administration will drastically reduce unemployment through deliberate investments in small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), expanded skill acquisition programmes, talent and innovation promotion, access to low-interest SME loans, and targeted support for artisans and informal sector operators.
Oyebamiji further highlighted plans to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) into Osun State as a pathway to industrialisation. He noted that industrial growth would create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for youths, stimulate local production, and strengthen the state’s economy. In addition, he promised structured training in various Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills to equip Osun youths with globally competitive competencies, enabling them to thrive in the digital economy and secure sustainable livelihoods.
He reaffirmed that youth empowerment under his leadership would be intentional, inclusive, and sustainable, aligning with the broader progressive ideals of the APC and the Renewed Hope philosophy at the national level.
The declaration was met with resounding applause, chants, and overwhelming affirmation from youths in attendance, who pledged their total support, mobilisation, and commitment to the AMBO project. The atmosphere reflected renewed confidence, collective excitement, and a shared belief that a new dawn of youth-driven governance is on the horizon for Osun State.
Indeed, AMBO ti dé and Osun youths are ready.
– Olalekan Oni is a Public Affairs Analyst/Social Commentator.
lekanoni1710@gmail.com