The King of Boys, Otunba Seye Famojuro, has urged state chairmen of the 12 major registered youth bodies under the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development to focus on opportunities, service, and competence rather than personal titles or political affiliations.
Famojuro made the call during a recent meeting with youth leaders drawn from across Oyo State.
Addressing representatives of various youth organisations, he stressed that leadership should be centred on creating opportunities for young people to contribute their ideas and talents toward societal growth.
“Leadership is not about occupying a seat,” he said. “It is about building systems where others can succeed and allowing the younger generation to try, even if mistakes are made. Through that process, they will learn and become better versions of themselves.”
Reflecting on his experiences during his secondary school days, Famojuro highlighted the importance of exposure and opportunities in shaping mindsets and empowering young people.
He further emphasised that development should transcend political differences and party loyalties, noting that the nation’s wealth belongs to all citizens and that competence and commitment should remain the key drivers of progress.
“Sometimes places may appear undeveloped or lacking structure, but with vision, planning, and collaboration, they can transform into economic hubs,” Famojuro added.
He assured them of their two major requests stating that the needful will be done.
“What we see today clearly demonstrates what can happen when people work together with a shared vision. Together, we can achieve far more.”
Speaking on behalf of the youth groups, Olalere Benedict Adetunji, who doubles as Chairman of the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Movement, said the registered youth bodies had analysed the developmental strides of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, particularly in initiatives targeted at youth empowerment.
According to him, the collaboration between youth organisations and the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development has fostered a harmonious working relationship and provided access to several government-backed opportunities.
“Our engagement with the Agency for Youth Development has strengthened cooperation among youth groups while also enabling us to benefit from several government programmes,” he said, while commending Governor Makinde for what he described as his “milk of human kindness” towards the youth.
The group also praised Otunba Famojuro for his support toward the activities and programmes of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, noting that such initiatives have positively impacted the youth constituency across the state.
Adetunji further described the agency as an umbrella platform that continues to nurture and inspire talented youths in the state.
However, he highlighted several challenges confronting youth organisations, particularly the lack of consistent grants to support youth development programmes.
According to him, more than 500 registered youth groups across the South-West rely on funding to implement community development initiatives.
He expressed appreciation to Famojuro and the state government for assurances that their concerns would receive attention.
In a similar vein, Farayola Nurudeen, Chairman of the Associated Registered Social Youth Clubs and Community Youth Forums in Oyo State, commended the administration of Governor Makinde for supporting youth-focused initiatives while appealing for expanded funding and sustained engagement with youth organisations.
Addressing the gathering on civic responsibility, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Prince Adebowale Adebayo Falana, urged young people to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
“The youths are the future of governance. Do not allow yourselves to be disenfranchised. Ensure you register and collect your voter’s cards so you can have a voice in leadership,” Falana said.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments to mentorship, youth empowerment, and active civic participation, signalling a growing partnership between emerging youth leaders and established figures such as Otunba Famojuro across the Oyo State.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana; the Coordinating Director of the agency, Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo Idowu; the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Osungbaro Oluwaseye; and Mr. Afolabi Oluwafemi.
