The young people, under the umbrella of the National Council of Youth of Nigeria (NYCN), chapter of the state of Ogun, have urged the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to create a youth ministry and then appoint a commissioner to supervise their affairs.
The NYCN made the passionate appeal in a letter dated June 27, 2025, signed by the state president, Akolawole Shoremi, and the secretary, comrade 'dotun Opaleye.
The youth body expressed concern about the continuous absence of a functional ministry focused solely on youth affairs.
The Council said that although it recognizes the efforts of the administration, including the drain of May 2023 of the late Ministry of Youth and Sports and several youth support initiatives, these have been below the strategic coordination required to meet the needs of the young population of Ogun.
“While we appreciate your efforts and commitment to improve our well -being until the pronouncement of May 2023 that break down the Ministry of Youth and Sports, periodic financial support, several ad hoc agreements and the promotion of the initiatives focused on young people within the existing ministries, these measures have shown to address the unique and multifaceted needs of our young people of our young people competence and strategically, according to the group.
Youth leaders warned that the continuous absence of such Ministry could lead to social disconnection, greater youth vulnerability to vices, economic stagnation and erosion of trust among young people and the government.
“The absence of a ministry for youth development, since its pronouncement, sends an involuntary but discouraging message: that the concerns, aspirations and the potential of the youth of the state of Ogun are probably not prioritized with the same attention focused as other crucial sectors.
“This perceived attitude has charged the youth constituency with a sense of disappointment and marginalization, which hinders our ability to contribute completely to the progress and prosperity of the state of the entrance door,” the group added.
They urged the governor, who also serves as president of the Forum of Governors of the South, to take the opportunity to show leadership and commitment to the inclusion of young people.
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