In a resounding display of commitment to youth development and social change, thousands of young people across Ibadan on Monday defied the heavy rainfall to participate in a large-scale drug awareness walk, setting the tone for the highly anticipated Oyo Youth Summit 2025.
Similarly in Ibarapa, Oyo township, Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso, the pre-summit sensitization campaign, organized to highlight the dangers of drug abuse among youth, saw a strong turnout across strategic locations in the Ibadan metropolis.
The awareness walk was led by Prince Falana Adebowale Adebayo, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, alongside Hon. Michael Ogunsina, Oyo State PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary in Ibadan zone.
While in Ibarapa, the awareness walk was led by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss. Wasilat Adegoke. In Oyo township, the walk was led by Hon. Dauda Temitope Wahab, the Fossu President, and Hon. Alarape Ibrahim Ayinla. The Oke-Ogun was led by NAOOS leader and Stakeholders.
Honourable Wasilat Adegoke, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde at the Ibarapa zone, was warmly welcomed by youths and stakeholders in the region.
During her visit, she engaged in fruitful discussions with young people, listening to their concerns and gathering feedback on the governor’s initiatives.
The interaction provided a platform for youths to express their views and share their experiences with the governor’s programs.
Honourable Adegoke’s presence demonstrated the governor’s commitment to understanding the needs and aspirations of young people across Oyo State.
Youth advocates and stakeholders gathered in their numbers at Ijokodo Junction, moving through the streets with banners, placards, and chants echoing strong anti-drug messages. The walk continued to the University of Ibadan, where students and youths listened attentively to calls to avoid drug abuse and embrace productive paths.
The campaign also reached the Agbowo community, further amplifying its message to youths in neighborhoods often vulnerable to substance abuse challenges.
Present at the sensitization walk were key government and youth leaders, including the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Political Matters, Hon. Deji Ola; Hon. Yusuf Adebisi, Member representing Ibadan South West Constituency I at the Oyo State House of Assembly; Comrade Ibekwe; and several Ward Youth Leaders who mobilized support from the grassroots.
The awareness walk also served as a build-up to the Oyo Youth Summit, scheduled to hold Tuesday, April 30th, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan (Second Gate). The summit will be hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde and will feature a keynote address from Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Onaolapo, Managing Director of BOVAS Group.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Youth Potential: Addressing Needs, Fulfilling Dreams,” will include a youth-focused panel session, capacity-building engagements, and a special awards and dinner night celebrating excellence and innovation among Oyo youths.
In a joint call to action, Prince Falana Adebowale and Hon. Michael Ogunsina encouraged all youth between the ages of 18 and 45 to be present at the summit, emphasizing the transformative opportunities it offers.
“This awareness walk reflects the hunger of our youth to be part of a bigger purpose. The summit is their platform to gain, grow, and glow,” said Prince Adebowale.
With expectations running high, the Oyo Youth Summit promises to be a defining moment in advancing the Makinde-led administration’s youth-centric agenda—ushering in a future where Oyo youths are not just seen, but heard and empowered.
