The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has outlined key empowerment initiatives of the state government aimed at improving the welfare and productivity of youths across the state.
Falana made this known during a radio programme on Oluyole FM 98.5 on Wednesday, where he featured as a guest on a discussion titled “What Kind of Empowerment Do Youth Expect from Government Elected Officials.” The programme was anchored by broadcaster Biodun Adejumo.
Speaking during the programme, Falana noted that youths primarily expect the government to provide an enabling environment that promotes employment, skills development, security, and sustainable economic opportunities.
He explained that the agency recognises youths within the age bracket of 18 to 35, although cultural perspectives in some parts of Oyo State sometimes extend the classification to older individuals.
According to him, the agency has prioritised digital and vocational empowerment programmes to enhance youth productivity, revealing that over 5,000 young people have been registered for digital skills acquisition programmes across the state.
Falana added that vocational grants and security support have also been introduced to strengthen youth-driven enterprises and improve economic stability among young people in the state.
He disclosed that the agency currently coordinates more than 500 youth groups from the grassroots, providing a platform for engagement, empowerment programmes, and community development initiatives.
The chairman further noted that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has created employment opportunities for young people across various ministries, departments, and agencies in the state.
Highlighting other initiatives, Falana said the agency also supports youths through agribusiness projects and soft loan schemes, including Point of Sale (POS) business support designed to help young entrepreneurs build sustainable livelihoods.
He also cited the entertainment sector as another area of collaboration between the government and youths, referencing the recent concert by Nigerian music star Davido in Ibadan, which he said contributed to boosting the local economy.
Addressing concerns about inclusivity, Falana noted that youth development programmes have been extended to rural communities through clusters of youth development officers stationed across different zones and local government areas.
He said the state government has designed tailored programmes for youths in villages, towns, and cities, particularly through vocational partnerships that allow residents of rural communities to acquire skills capable of sustaining their livelihoods.
During the call-in segment of the programme, a caller from Igboora commended the agency for its efforts but called for greater inclusion of persons living with disabilities.
In response, Falana highlighted the initiatives of Governor Makinde, including the establishment of the state agency for persons with disabilities and the appointment of a Special Adviser on disability matters.
Other callers also raised concerns about the need for more recruitment of health workers and the establishment of additional government-owned industries to create employment opportunities.
Falana, however, urged youths across the state to remain law-abiding, pursue education and vocational training, and actively contribute to the development of the state.
He also encouraged young people to participate responsibly in the democratic process, stressing the importance of continuity in governance for sustained development in Oyo State.
In the entourage of the Chairman are; Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo (the Coordinating Director L, Agency for Youth Development), Mr. Osungbaro Oluwaseye ( Director of Administration and Supplies), Akintayo Abioye Epo (P.A to the Chairman), Mr. Rasheed Olawale Socrates (Media Agency for Youth Development), and Mr. Jesugbemi (Agency for Youth Development)
