Abeokuta Standstill As Ogun Youths Organize Special Prayer Session For Senator Yayi’s Guber Ambition

Senator Adeola Yayi, representing Ogun West Senatorial District and also the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is reportedly aiming for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State.

The Yayi Youth Vanguard, numbering over 5,000 and drawn from the 20 local government areas of Ogun State, assembled at the popular Panseke skating ground in Abeokuta, wearing white face caps inscribed with “Ogun Youths For Yayi.”

Addressing the massive crowd, the Ogun State Coordinator of the Yayi Youth Vanguard, Comrade Olamide Lawal, called for greater inclusion of young people in Nigeria’s political landscape, emphasising that youth participation is vital for sustainable national development and democratic stability.

Lawal, speaking on the theme of the event, “consolidating a brighter future for Ogun youth inclusiveness in politics and governance,” highlighted the increasing population of young Nigerians and their untapped potential in shaping the country’s political future.

He observed that, although youths constitute a significant proportion of the electorate, their representation in decision-making processes remains disproportionately low.

“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are active stakeholders in today’s governance. It is essential that political institutions create more opportunities for youth involvement, not only as voters but as candidates, policymakers, and leaders.

“Because we are in the Holy months of Ramadan and Lent, that’s why we brought Alfas and Pastors to come and pray for us and also to awaken the consciousness of the young people that if you get involved in politics, there are benefits that you will get. If you don’t get involved in it, you cannot claim any benefit.

“You cannot be apolitical and be complaining that the political leaders are not doing well or you’re not given the opportunity to serve. You have to be actively involved to influence any change, to influence development into your community, you have to make sure you definitely get involved in politics. And as a youth advocate, I understood that if the youth sit back and fold their hands, then they cannot complain of whatever befalls them, so that’s the reason we have come out today to rally round behind the leader we believe that gives the youth opportunity to serve and that is Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi.”

Lawal also emphasised the importance of political education and mentorship, urging established leaders to support and guide emerging young politicians.

According to him, bridging the generational gap in politics will foster innovation, accountability, and more responsive governance.

He further called on political parties to review internal structures that may hinder youth participation, including high nomination fees and limited access to party leadership positions.

“We must dismantle systemic barriers that discourage young aspirants from contesting elections,” he added.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr Bukola Olopade, echoed similar sentiments, advocating for policies that promote inclusiveness, such as youth quotas in elective and appointive offices.

Olopade, represented by his aide, Abiola Odetola, expressed optimism that with continued advocacy and reform, Nigeria could witness a new era of youth-driven leadership.

The NSC DG urged the youths to renew their commitments to engaging more actively in political processes and to hold leaders accountable for promises related to youth empowerment and inclusion.

He stated that increasing youth participation in politics could play a crucial role in addressing issues such as unemployment, education reform, and technological advancement, which directly affect the younger population.

In his goodwill message, the lawmaker representing Ipokia State Constituency at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Bisi Oyedele, posited that as Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the emancipation of the youths underscores the urgent need to integrate the energy, creativity, and perspectives of young people into the nation’s governance framework of young people into the nation’s governance framework.