Written by Lawal Jamiu A.

The Ogun State House of Assembly through its Committee on Youth and Sports has received the draft of the “Ogun State Youth Policy 2026–2030”, during an advocacy visit to the State House of Assembly, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Taking the lead during the joint presentation by the Ministry of Youth Development, the Ministry of Budget and Planning in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, (UNPF) to analyse the policy framework, the Consultant with UNPF, Dr. Toriola Femi- Adebayo, noted that the document rested on six pillars covering economic empowerment, health and well-being, participation and inclusion, safe environments, partnerships, and climate action.

She added that it focused on jobs, youth-friendly services, civic engagement, protection mechanisms, private-sector collaboration, and green initiatives.

The joint Committee led by the Consultant outlined its expectations, including policy ratification, budgetary provision for a Youth Development Fund, enactment of supportive legislation where required; sustained oversight through committee processes and active representation of youth interests by lawmakers within their constituencies.

Stakeholders present included, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Idowu Onasanya, Dr. Femi- Adebayo representing United Nations Population Fund, Director of Youth Development in the State, Mr. Salami Adetokunbo, State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Akolawole Shoremi amongst other officials.

Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee, on Youth, Sports and Employment Generation, Hon. Lukman Atobatele, assured the delegation of the Assembly’s readiness to review and ratify the policy to give it legal backing; while reaffirming legislative commitment to advancing youth-focused development across the State.

Hon. Atobatele also enjoined the National Youth Council of Nigeria to intensify enlightenment campaign among the youth to ensure their demands remained strategic, coordinated and aligned with realistic pathways for policy implementation.

Contributing, Hon. Babatunde Tella, charged the youth on the need to prioritise capacity building through education, skills acquisition and self-development, stressing that preparedness remained critical to occupying strategic positions in governance and the economy. The advocacy meeting was earlier declared open by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide.