The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed the importance of continuous engagement with young people, describing youth participation as a key driver of inclusive governance and sustainable community development.
The position was presented by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on OPIC, Housing and Special Projects, Prince Farooq Adenugba, during the Strategic Ijebu North Youth Retreat and Engagement held at Omo Ilu Hall in Ijebu Igbo.
The event attracted more than 2,000 youths and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who gathered to deliberate on governance, development priorities and political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the forum, Adenugba explained that the programme was created to establish direct communication between government representatives and young people, allowing both sides to discuss challenges and identify practical solutions. According to him, the gathering was not intended as a political campaign but as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between government and citizens.
“This is not a campaign. It is an opportunity to compare notes, identify the pain points affecting the youths and society, and also share some of the initiatives, programmes and projects the government is implementing,” he said. He added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that public policies are shaped by the realities and concerns of the people.
During the engagement, participants urged governments at different levels to place greater emphasis on youth empowerment through employment opportunities, industrial growth, vocational and technical education, improved road infrastructure, stable electricity supply and effective flood control measures.
They also advocated the restoration of local government autonomy, the establishment of constituency offices to improve communication between elected representatives and citizens, as well as stronger efforts to combat political violence and thuggery. Beyond governance discussions, the gathering featured conversations on Ogun State’s political future.
Organisers declared support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, with Mrs Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun proposed as his running mate. The participants also endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East Senatorial seat while reaffirming their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Responding to concerns raised during the retreat, Adenugba announced that the Ogun State Government had approved the reconstruction of the road linking the Permanent Site of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye to Ijebu Igbo.
He disclosed that the project is expected to be completed within six months, describing it as a strategic infrastructure investment aimed at improving transportation and stimulating economic activities in the area. The governor’s aide further assured participants that recommendations from the retreat would receive serious attention.
“All the resolutions and recommendations from this retreat will be properly documented and forwarded to the appropriate state and federal authorities for policy consideration and implementation,” he said.
He encouraged young people to remain actively involved in governance through constructive engagement, noting that regular feedback from citizens helps government make better policy decisions.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Otunba Deji Kalejaiye, praised Adenugba for creating a platform that enabled thousands of young people to interact directly with government officials. He said such engagements promote democratic accountability, strengthen public confidence in governance and encourage greater youth participation in public affairs.
Among the dignitaries present were former Ogun State Deputy Governor Senator Gbenga Kaka, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, who represents Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Hon. Olatunbosun Ipaye, Hon. Engr. Segun Odunuga of the Ogun State House of Assembly, and the Senior Special Adviser on Transport, Alhaji Hon. Moibi Olufidun, alongside other political stakeholders.
