Group Seeks Domestication of National Youth Policy in Ogun
A Group , Future Builders Initiative has decried the non domestication of the national youth policy in Ogun state since 2019 when it was pronounced by the federal government.
The Executive Director and the leader of Ogun Youth Agenda Project Team, Opeyemi Oladimeji , made the call on Thursday on in Abeokuta at Ogun Youth Agenda Town hall meeting.
The programme is themed “Building an Inclusive Future: Youth Voices in Policy and Development”
Opeyemi proposed a bill for the establishment of Ogun State Youth Development Commission , saying that the establishment of the commission was important to driving the implementation of the national youth policy document.
He explained that unlike Lagos, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo State, Ogun and Ondo States in the Southwest have not been able to domesticate the national youth policy since 2019 saying that this would definitely been impacting negatively on the youth development in the country.
Oladimeji added that though the state has commenced the process to domesticate this policy with the involvement of his group but there is need to hasten up the process as the domestication of the national youth policy would provide a good ground for the implementation of the policy
He explained that “In 2019, in line with the international best practices, Nigeria also came up with its national youth policy and encourage all states in the country to domesticate the policy to bear the reality of time.
“However in the southwest, only four states have done this and they are Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos and of recent, Osun State. Ogun and Ondo are still yet to abide by the national directive. The domestication is the first step in the implementation of the national youth policy document.
“We also have other states that have even gone ahead to create youth development commission like Osun and Oyo State which are the vehicle to drive the implementation of this the youth policy.
“The policy document contains the collective aspirations of the youth alongside the internation of the government on defining what youth development should entails.
“The intention of the youth and government when it comes to healthcare delivery is there, the intention of the youth and government when it comes to governance is there among others and a lot more with the appropriate agency to implement the policies”.
Oladimeji said that the proposed Ogun State Youth Development Commission Bill is a legislative framework designed to institutionalize youth empowerment and ensure sustainability of youth initiatives across successive administrations.
Appreciating the support of the state assembly towards this bill, he explained that “The Commission, when established, will provide a permanent institutional home for youth affairs, ensuring that policies and programs are implemented efficiently, monitored effectively, and insulated from political changes.
“It will also enable direct funding for youth development, streamline coordination among ministries and agencies, and create clear accountability mechanisms for youth-focused interventions”.
Oladimeji equally called on Gov Dapo Abiodun to create Ministry of Youth which will supervise the implementation of the national youth policy in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Nigerian Youth Congress, Ibirogba Adesewa while lauding Gov Abiodun for his favourable disposition to supporting the young ones in the state, however pleaded with the governor for the establishment of Ministry of Youth Development in the state
Ibirogba said that “This call is not a criticism but a constructive appeal and a sincere plea from the youth
constituency to strengthen the institutional framework that will allow our dreams and energies to
be better harnessed for state development”
She explained that having a ministry dedicated to youth development would provide a dedicated platform for youth empowerment, innovation, and engagement, coordinate all youth-related activities and programs across various ministries and local governments among others.
The Special Adviser to Gov Abiodun on Youth Affairs, Alhaji Olamide Lawal has however disclosed that the present administration in the state is always willing to empower the youth and give them wings to soar and excel.
Lawal said that the government is already aware of the youth agitation and will definitely work on their submission to further enhance youth development and empowerment in the state
He added that the governor has already pronounced the establishment of Ministry of Youth Development and that very soon the ministry will come into full operation and provide a solid framework to further secure the future of the youth in the state.
Lawal said that Abiodun has always supported the youth in the state to thrive be it in governance, education, health, environment, industrialization among others, urging the youth to continue to support the present administration in the state to do so much more for the residents of the state.
The Federal Government recently stated its determination to harness the energy and potential of Nigeria’s youth to drive economic transformation.
Delivering his keynote address at the 2025 Employability Fair organised by Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the youth as Nigeria’s greatest asset and emphasised that government policies are increasingly tailored to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world needs.
“The Federal Government is not only committed to youth empowerment — we are determined to turn our teeming youth population into a productive force for national development.
“This generation of Nigerians must be equipped not just with degrees, but with the skills, mindset, and networks to become employers, innovators, and value creators,” Olawande declared.
He commended Caleb University for organising the Employability Fair, which he said aligns with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s focus on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and job readiness.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and the sixth in the world with approximately 218.5 million people out of which 57 million are said to be young individuals.
Nigerian youth are faced with lots of challenges spanning poverty, unemployment, lack of access to qualitative education among others.
