Barr. Akeem Agbaje, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 2027 gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising technical and vocational education, describing it as a vital step in empowering Nigeria’s youth and securing Africa’s future.
Speaking as the Special Guest Speaker at a symposium held at the Federal Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, to mark the 2025 Day of the African Child, Agbaje stressed the need to extend equal opportunities to the girl child and underserved rural youths. The event, themed “Nurturing Potentials, Unlocking Opportunities, Securing African Future”, featured Hajia (Dr.) Bintu Fatima Tinubu, Iyalode-General of Lagos and matriarch of the Tinubu dynasty, as Mother of the Day.
Addressing students, teachers, and guests, Barr Akeem Agbaje noted that with over sixty percent of Africa’s population under the age of twenty-five, investing in youth is non-negotiable. “Every investment in the African child is an investment in Africa,” he said, urging a mindset shift from seeing Africa as poor to recognising its vast human and natural resources.
Emphasizing the importance of President Tinubu’s support for vocational learning, Barr. Agbaje called for collective efforts to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership development. “Every child needs someone who believes in them,” he said, adding that building confidence, especially among rural youth and young girls, is key to bridging the gap between talent and access.
He also called on governments to simplify policies, reduce corruption, and provide infrastructure and funding, while urging organisations to offer mentorship and internship opportunities.
In his closing remarks, Barr. Agbaje charged individuals to discover their potential, teachers to teach purposefully beyond the curriculum, and parents to be fully present in their children’s lives. “Africa’s future is in our hands.”
