The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ms. Wasilat Adegoke, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment, inclusiveness, and development.
Represented by the Director of Youth Development, Mrs. K. O. Mustapha, she delivered a heartfelt remark at the Youth Opportunity Summit 2025, held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan on Saturday, December 6, in collaboration with the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oyo State Government, and Inspire for Impact Initiative.
The summit, themed “Leveraging Opportunity: Building a Future-Ready Youth,” assembled policymakers, captains of industry, government representatives, youth advocates, scholars, corps members, and students, all focused on deepening youth-centered national development.
Delivering her remarks through her representative, Ms. Adegoke began by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to address the gathering. “I stand before you in appreciation of Almighty Allah for His enablement to be here,” she said.
She extended high praise to the summit’s convener, Hajia Hauwa Liman, CEO of Inspire for Impact Initiative, for her vision and dedication to youth-focused programs.
“I applaud the efforts of the convener, Hajia Hauwa Liman, for this timely event aimed at engaging our youth for inspiration, innovation, and transformation, while giving them the avenue to meet, network, and deliberate on issues that affect them,” she stated. “I thank you for bringing this opportunity to Oyo State.”
Ms. Adegoke highlighted the strides made by the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that youth empowerment remains central to the administration’s agenda.
“The Oyo State Government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde is leaving no stone unturned toward the social, economic, and political advancement of our youth,” she affirmed.
She emphasized that more youths than ever before are now part of the state’s leadership structure. “It may interest you to note that more than ever before, a great number of youths are serving in the present administration as commissioners, special assistants, and special advisers to His Excellency in various capacities,” she explained.
“This shows the interest and commitment of His Excellency in youth development and empowerment. He believes in youth inclusiveness in governance, making them occupy vibrant seats in the affairs of the state.”
The Commissioner reflected on the growing involvement of individuals and organizations in youth-oriented initiatives, describing it as a welcome shift.
“The recent development on the involvement of individuals in youth development activity is a positive shift and a laudable development. Everyone is a stakeholder and should be responsive in matters that concern youth,” she said.
She encouraged young people to adopt responsibility, discipline, and integrity in shaping their future. “I implore the youth to be committed to their development with utmost responsibility and sincerity of purpose. Be true ambassadors of your family, your state, and the nation at large, wherever you find yourselves,” she emphasized.
She expressed confidence in the capabilities of Nigeria’s youth if provided with the right opportunities. “I see hope in the Nigerian youth. If given the opportunity to harness their potential, youth are agents of change — the hope of any nation. It is left for you to answer this clarion call,” she urged.
Ms. Adegoke concluded her address by calling for greater synergy among all sectors—public and private—to reinforce government efforts in youth development.
“I call on individuals, institutions, philanthropists, politicians, and NGOs to complement government efforts on youth development and engagement so that our society will be a better place to live in,” she appealed.
Her remarks further strengthened the summit’s overarching message: that building a future-ready youth requires shared responsibility, continuous investment, and unified action across Nigeria’s institutions.
