ABEOKUTA – In a significant development weeks after joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader in Ogun State, Olasunkanmi Oyejide, has met with the first son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu and the Nigeria’s Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
Oyejide, who narrated his recent political journey, said the Minister of Youth invited him for a discussion centred on mobilization for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South West.
He explained that what he initially expected to be a private meeting reportedly took a surprising turn when Seyi Tinubu joined the session.
According to Oyejide, popularly known as Suco, the meeting highlighted a transition marked by strategic engagements and growing recognition at the national level.
He maintained that, the meeting took a notable turn when Seyi Tinubu joined the discussion, leading to a “frank and forward-looking conversation” on the future of Nigerian youths.
According to Oyejide, the interaction went beyond rhetoric, highlighting what he described as a deliberate and action-driven approach to youth engagement by both Seyi Tinubu and the minister.
He noted that the duo have been actively engaging young people across the country, listening to grassroots perspectives and shaping policies aimed at advancing youth inclusion.
Oyejide said Seyi Tinubu demonstrated a strong understanding of grassroots realities, describing him as deeply connected to the challenges facing young Nigerians and committed to identifying talent, building capacity, and fostering inclusion.
He added that Seyi Tinubu assured that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerian youths will no longer be passive observers but active participants in governance.
According to him, the increasing number of youth appointments into government positions signals a significant shift toward investing in the country’s future.
Oyejide further revealed that Seyi Tinubu commended Nigerian youths for their resilience and contributions to national development, while encouraging them to remain patriotic, committed, and focused on nation-building.
He added that both Seyi Tinubu and the Minister for Youth Development demonstrated a strong commitment to opening more opportunities for capable youths, while maintaining a focus on competence and preparedness as key criteria for leadership roles.
“Across the country, Seyi Tinubu and the Honourable Minister have been on the move, engaging young people directly, listening to them, and shaping ideas that will truly move the youth constituency forward.
“Seyi Tinubu’s ingenuity and deep understanding of the grassroots was evident. He is not disconnected from the realities young Nigerians face; rather, he is right in the middle of it, identifying talent, building capacity, and pushing for real inclusion. His passion for youth development is not cosmetic; it is deliberate and driven.
“He emphasized that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, youths are no longer spectators but active players in governance.
“Today, young Nigerians are being entrusted with responsibilities as appointees, a bold and defining shift that signals a government willing to invest in its future.
“He saluted Nigerian youths for their resilience and contributions to nation-building, while assuring that he will continue to champion policies and opportunities that will uplift them. His message was clear and firm: stay patriotic, stay committed, and put the nation first.
“From that engagement, one thing is certain, there is a strong hunger from both Seyi Tinubu and the Honourable Minister to open more doors for capable youths to serve.
“But beyond that, there is a deliberate effort to ensure that only those who are prepared, competent, and committed step into those opportunities. The call to action is simple: this is not the time to sit back. Nigerian youths must step up, position themselves, and be ready.
“Seyi Tinubu is watching the grassroots closely, and he is intentional about bringing forward those who have the capacity and the will to serve. The future is not just being discussed, it is being built, and the youths have a real seat at the table.”
Suco described the encounter as both unexpected and encouraging, stating that Seyi Tinubu acknowledged his grassroots political efforts and urged him to remain consistent.
He disclosed that he also used the opportunity to convey the concerns and aspirations of Nigerian youths during the interaction.
Reflecting on the experience, Oyejide expressed gratitude for the rapid progression of events, attributing it to the preparedness meeting that provided the opportunity.
He specifically appreciated Senator Adeola for his support and credited his local political leaders for facilitating his integration and growth.
Describing his journey as one from “Onisasa village in Oke-Ogun area of Abeokuta North Local Government to the Presidency,” expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future and the continued development of Ogun State.
“Barely a month later, the Honourable Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, reached out and invited me to Lagos for a brief meeting. I didn’t hesitate.
“On getting there, I was expecting to meet him alone as planned. But then, to my surprise, Seyi Tinubu walked in.
“For a moment, I was stunned. He asked me to relax, and I quickly composed myself.
“He said: “Mr. Suco, I know you are a grassroots politician. We are watching. I get feedback from the grassroots, just keep doing what you are doing.”
“ST sir, this is the first time in the history of this country that a son of a president is engaging youths directly at the grassroots. I also conveyed the message of Nigerian youths to him and the Honourable Minister for Youth Development.”
“On a personal note, I am truly overwhelmed. I didn’t expect things to move this fast, but when preparation meets opportunity, results speak.”
Oyejide, recounted how he travelled from Onisasa village to Lagos on March 1 for a meeting with Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, widely known as YAYI.
He said he was accompanied by political associates including Prince Ifekayode Akinbode, Damilola Ogunpola, and Otunba Niyi Sanusi.
According to him, the journey itself signalled the importance of the meeting, as several political figures, including Hon. Babatunde Olaotan, maintained constant communication to ensure their safety and comfort.
He described the level of coordination as “exceptional,” likening it to a well-organised high-profile event.
He posited that during the meeting, Senator Adeola emphasised the inclusive nature of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the party provides a level playing field for individuals with capacity and value.
Oyejide noted that the senator’s leadership style, particularly his ability to identify and nurture emerging talents, mirrors that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he praised for building and empowering future leaders.
Following the meeting, Oyejide said he received assurances of integration into the political structure from key stakeholders within Ogun State.
“The level of coordination of the APC and Yayi camp reminded me of when Didier Drogba was flown in by Chelsea FC, everything was well planned, smooth, and top-notch.
“APC is a platform that gives everyone a level playing ground. What matters here is value. If you have capacity, you will rise.”
