Ogun Youths Stage Solidarity Walk For Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

ABEOKUTA – Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term gained traction, with thousands of youths in Ogun State declaring their support for his re-election in 2027. The youths also expressed their backing for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s aspiration for the Ogun East Senatorial district.

The show of support followed a loyalty walk organized on Wednesday in Ijebu-Ode, where the youths, in large numbers, marched through major streets with banners and songs of solidarity.

Addressing the gathering at the Awujale Pavilion, the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to Ogun State Government,who was the Guest Speaker,Hon. Dapo Okubadejo, delivered a paper titted “from Policy to Prosperity: Youth -Centred Economic Pathway under Dapo Abiodun Administration”described the young people of the state as drivers of prosperity under Gov.Dapo Abiodun ‘s leadership.

Okubadejo represented by the Government Liaison officer, GLO ijebu-Ode Local Government, Olatokunbo Tosin, emphasized that the administration’s development philosophy, the ISEYA Agenda, places inclusiveness, sustainability, education, youth empowerment, and agriculture at the core of governance.

“Policies do not change lives. Outcomes do. Budgets do not empower people. Impact does,” Okubadejo said, highlighting the administration’s focus on delivering results.

He noted that the government has invested in youth empowerment as a deliberate economic strategy, recognizing that equipping young people with skills, capital, and opportunities is key to productivity, social stability, and long-term growth.

Okubadejo said, “Under Governor Dapo Abiodun, youth empowerment is not treated as a social afterthought; it is treated as economic infrastructure.”

He highlighted some of the administration’s achievements, including the establishment of the Ogun State Youth Empowerment Programme, which has provided skills training and financial support to thousands of young people.

Okubadejo also noted that the administration has invested in agriculture, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and create jobs for young people.

Okubadejo stated further “Ogun State is young. Our population structure is youthful, our energy is dynamic, and our potential is vast. But potential alone does not create prosperity. What creates prosperity is intentional policy backed by disciplined implementation and strategic investment. That is why this administration has focused on youth-centred economic pathways, not as charity, but as a deliberate economic ”

He charged the youths to own the future being prepared for them.

Speaking with Journalists at the Pavilion moment after the Walk , National President of the APC Youth League, Comrade Olamide Lawal, said the date, February 11, holds symbolic significance in Ogun’s political journey.

He recalled that supporters of Governor Abiodun were allegedly attacked at the same venue during the build-up to the 2019 general elections but noted that the governor went on to record victory at the polls.

Lawal explained that since 2020, the APC Youth League has consistently marked the date with empowerment initiatives and freedom walks to celebrate resilience and political progress in the state.

“Despite all odds, Governor Dapo Abiodun emerged victorious in 2019 and again in 2023. We are here today to appreciate performance and reaffirm our loyalty,” he said.

According to him, the solidarity walk was organised to express gratitude for what he described as the impactful leadership of both President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun, particularly in areas affecting young people.

“For leaders who have done so much, Ogun youths must show genuine love and unwavering support. We will continue to mobilise, educate and sensitise our members on the achievements of the Government. The confidence displayed today is rooted in performance,” Lawal added.

Also speaking, the Ogun State Coordinator of the APC Youth League, Yunus Fayomi, said the exercise was aimed at reaffirming the commitment of Ogun youths to the party’s leadership at both state and federal levels.

“We stand firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun. We believe in their visions and remain committed to supporting policies that has bey driving development in Ogun State and Nigeria at large,” He said

The National President of the National Association of Ogun State Students, Comrade Oluwafemi Ajayi, praised ongoing federal reforms and the Abiodun administration’s focus on infrastructure development, youth empowerment and economic growth.

Ajayi noted that the state government has continued to prioritise programmes targeted at job creation, capacity building and improving the welfare of young people. He described the solidarity walk as a clear demonstration of youth backing for the APC-led administrations.

In their separate remarks, Lamidi Olalekan, who represented Nigeria Youth Organization Ogun chapter, Chairman, Saka Olarenweju and Nigeria Youth Congress, Ogun State Chapter, Chairperson, Princess Adesewa Ibirogba, applauded and reaffirmed the organisations supports for APC led administrations in Ogun and at the federal level.