Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Ogun Youth Assembly, Ambassador Habeeb Whyte, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritizing youth development through sports, education, and empowerment initiatives since the inception of his administration.
Amb. Whyte particularly praised the recently organized Gateway Games 2024,noting that the event has contributed significantly to talent discovery, youth engagement, and social inclusion across communities in the state.
“The Governor’s investment in sports is an investment in the future of Ogun youths. These games have created opportunities, inspired discipline, and promoted unity among young people,” Whyte stated.
He further applauded the state government’s interventions in student-focused policies, including scholarships, digital learning initiatives, and infrastructural upgrades in public schools and tertiary institutions.
“We appreciate the student-friendly policies of this administration. The educational reforms and financial interventions have reduced burdens on families and encouraged academic excellence,” he added.
However, the Youth Assembly urged the government to institutionalize youth representation by creating the office of a Youth Commissioner, stressing that youth-related matters require direct executive oversight to ensure sustainability and measurable impact.
“A dedicated Youth Commissioner will ensure that youth policies are not treated as side projects but as core governance priorities,” Whyte emphasized.
The Chairman also advocated for the establishment of a Consumer Protection Agency in Ogun State to safeguard residents, especially young entrepreneurs and small business owners, from exploitation, substandard products, and unfair market practices.
He called for increased youth access to governance, urging the state government to appoint more young professionals into political, advisory, and decision-making positions across ministries, departments, and agencies.
“Youths should not only be seen as voters or campaign tools. We must be involved in policy formulation, governance processes, and leadership roles,” .
Amb. Whyte recommended the creation of structured youth innovation hubs, entrepreneurship funding programs, mental health support platforms, and expanded vocational training schemes to address unemployment and equip youths with future-ready skills.
The Ogun Youth Assembly Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the state government, private sector, and civil society to drive sustainable youth empowerment and contribute meaningfully to Ogun State’s socio-economic development.
“As Ogun turns 50, we urge the government to place young people at the centre of the next 50 years. Youth inclusion is not just a request—it is a necessity for progress,” he said.
