The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding youth participation in governance, with officials insisting that engaging young people remains one of the most effective ways to build inclusive leadership and address the developmental challenges confronting communities across the State.
The position was restated during a large youth engagement and retreat held in Ijebu-Igbo, where thousands of members of the All Progressives Congress, youth leaders and stakeholders met to deliberate on governance, community development, infrastructure and the political future of Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, known as the Strategic Ijebu North Youth Retreat and Engagement, attracted more than 2,000 participants at Omo Ilu Hall in Ijebu-Igbo. Discussions focused on creating stronger communication between Government officials and young people while generating practical recommendations that could shape future Government policies.
Speaking during the gathering, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on OPIC, Housing and Special Projects, Prince Farooq Adenugba, said governments at every level must deliberately create opportunities for regular dialogue with young citizens if they hope to deliver policies that truly reflect the needs of the people.
According to him, the retreat was not organised as a political campaign but as a forum where participants could openly identify challenges affecting their communities and exchange ideas with public office holders on possible solutions.
He explained that such engagements enable Government officials to receive direct feedback from residents while also providing an avenue to explain ongoing programmes, projects and initiatives designed to improve living conditions across the State.
Adenugba stressed that sustained consultation with the people, particularly the youth population, remains essential to responsive governance.
He noted that Government policies become more effective when they are developed after listening to the concerns, expectations and aspirations of citizens.
Throughout the interactive sessions, participants raised a wide range of issues they believe should receive greater attention from both the state and federal governments.
One of the recurring demands was the need for stronger youth empowerment programmes capable of reducing unemployment and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Many attendees called for increased industrial development, arguing that expanding manufacturing and investment opportunities would provide jobs for thousands of young people across Ogun State.
They also advocated greater investment in vocational education and technical training, saying practical skills acquisition would equip young Nigerians with the tools required to become self-reliant and competitive in today’s economy.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently during the discussions.
Participants appealed for accelerated road construction across affected communities, noting that better transportation networks would stimulate commerce, improve access to education and healthcare, and support economic growth.
Reliable electricity supply was another major concern raised by attendees, who maintained that stable power remains critical to business expansion, entrepreneurship and industrial productivity.
Flood control measures equally came under discussion, with participants urging governments to intensify efforts to protect communities frequently affected by flooding and other environmental challenges.
The retreat also produced recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Several participants advocated the restoration of full local government autonomy, arguing that empowering local councils would improve grassroots development and service delivery.
There were also calls for elected representatives to establish constituency offices that would make it easier for residents to communicate directly with their lawmakers and government officials.
Participants further appealed for sustained efforts to eliminate political violence and thuggery, stressing that peaceful political participation remains essential for democratic growth and social stability.
Beyond governance and development issues, the gathering also reflected the political mood among attendees ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Organisers and participants publicly expressed support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, to emerge as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Ogun State.
They also endorsed Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun as a preferred running mate.
The gathering equally declared support for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s reported bid for the Ogun East Senatorial seat while reaffirming confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Responding to questions raised during the engagement, Adenugba disclosed that the Ogun State Government had already approved the reconstruction of the road linking the Permanent Site of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye to Ijebu-Igbo.
He described the project as a strategic infrastructure initiative that would improve transportation within the axis while supporting commercial activities and economic development.
According to him, the road project is expected to be completed within six months, adding that it forms part of broader efforts by the State Government to upgrade infrastructure in key communities.
He assured participants that the resolutions reached during the retreat would not end with discussions alone.
Adenugba promised that every recommendation emerging from the engagement would be carefully documented and transmitted to the appropriate authorities at both the state and federal levels for consideration and possible implementation.
He encouraged young people to remain actively involved in governance through constructive dialogue, civic participation and continuous engagement with government institutions.
According to him, effective governance thrives when citizens consistently provide feedback and contribute ideas capable of improving public policies.
Also addressing participants, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Otunba Deji Kalejaiye, commended the organisers for bringing together a large number of young people and government representatives under one platform.
He said initiatives that encourage direct interaction between public officials and citizens strengthen democratic accountability and promote greater confidence in Government.
Kalejaiye added that creating more opportunities for such engagements would inspire increased youth participation in governance while fostering stronger relationships between elected leaders and the communities they serve.
Among dignitaries present at the retreat were former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Senator Gbenga Kaka; the member representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan; Hon. Olatunbosun Ipaye; the member representing Ijebu North II Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Segun Odunuga; and the Senior Special Adviser on Transport, Alhaji Hon. Moibi Olufidun, alongside other political leaders and stakeholders.
The engagement concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between government and the youth, with participants expressing optimism that sustained dialogue, improved infrastructure, expanded employment opportunities and inclusive policymaking would contribute to the long-term development of Ogun State and strengthen democratic governance ahead of the 2027 elections.