Era of youth exclusion in governance is ending globally – Ogundoyin

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, has said the era of excluding youths from decision-making and political processes was virtually coming to an end globally.

The speaker said this in Ibadan on Tuesday while delivering a lecture titled “Empowering Voices, Shaping Futures” at the 1st Anniversary of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development.

According to Ogundoyin, the vibrancy of youths makes them indispensable and relevant, thus, their inclusion in politics should be encouraged.

While highlighting the pivotal role of youth inclusion in decision-making processes, he asserted that such involvement was essential for the state’s sustainable development and progress.

He emphasised that the state’s commitment to youth inclusion was not merely symbolic but a strategic approach to harnessing the energy, creativity, and innovation that young people bring to the table.

He then called on all stakeholders to support and expand such initiatives, ensuring that the youths were not only beneficiaries but also active contributors to the state’s growth and development.

The speaker praised the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Mr Adebowale Falana, for his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.

He said that Falana’s dedication to fostering youth participation in governance was 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 his leadership, the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development has launched several programmes aimed at equipping youths with the 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,” he said.