The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development (AYD), has formally inducted the 32-member select of the 3rd Assembly of the Oyo State Youth Parliament, reaffirming its commitment to youth inclusion, leadership development, and participatory governance.
The induction ceremony, held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Conference Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan, brought together government officials, youth development stakeholders, parliamentary experts, and the newly selected youth lawmakers from across the state.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Mrs. Mustapha K.O., congratulated the members selected on their emergence after a rigorous screening and interview process. She described their selection as a testament to their leadership potential, dedication, and commitment to public service.
Mrs. Mustapha expressed confidence in the capacity of the new parliamentarians to contribute meaningfully to youth-oriented policymaking and advocacy, urging them to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and service throughout their legislative tenure.
She also commended the management and staff of the Agency for ensuring a transparent selection process that produced capable and representative young leaders from across the state.
In his goodwill message, the Technical Head of the Labour Intensive Public Work (LIPW), Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo Idowu, congratulated the inductees on their successful emergence into the Third Assembly of the Oyo State Youth Parliament.
He charged them to remain proactive, focused, and united in pursuing developmental initiatives that would positively impact young people across the state, stressing that collaboration and mutual respect would be essential to the success of the Assembly.
Delivering his keynote address, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, described the induction as another significant milestone in the Agency’s mission of nurturing future leaders and strengthening democratic participation among youths.
Falana appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development, noting that the administration has continued to create opportunities for young people to participate actively in governance and decision-making processes.
He also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, management staff of the Agency, the Executive Secretary, resource persons, and other partners who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the induction programme.
Addressing the newly inducted members, Falana urged them to see themselves as ambassadors of the state’s youth constituency rather than representatives of political, ethnic, or religious interests.
According to him, the primary responsibility of the Youth Parliament is to champion policies, ideas, and initiatives that will advance the welfare and aspirations of young people in Oyo State.
He advised the parliamentarians to embrace unity, innovation, and purposeful leadership, emphasizing that religion, political affiliations, and personal differences should never be allowed to hinder their collective mission.
“Your priority must be the people you represent. Bring forward ideas that will strengthen youth development, support peace-building efforts, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Agency and the state at large. You are partners in progress and future leaders whose actions today will shape tomorrow’s governance landscape,” he said.
Falana further expressed optimism that many members of the Youth Parliament would eventually emerge as elected public office holders in the future, stating that the platform was designed to groom young people for higher leadership responsibilities.
He disclosed that the Agency would continue to provide mentorship, legislative training, and leadership development opportunities to ensure members acquire the necessary skills in research, policy formulation, public speaking, and lawmaking.
The Agency Chairman also revealed that the appointment of principal officers within the Assembly would reflect principles of gender inclusivity, religious balance, competence, and fairness.
“The best gift you can give yourselves is unity. Remain creative, innovative, and optimistic. The Agency for Youth Development remains committed to nurturing future leaders who will drive sustainable development and good governance in Oyo State,” he stated.
As part of the induction programme, the members selected participated in a series of intensive capacity-building lectures designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills required for effective legislative engagement.
The first lecture was delivered by a parliamentary officer from the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Ojerinde Olufemi, who presented a paper titled “The Pacesetter Blueprint: Architecting Democracy in the Third Assembly of the Oyo State Youth Parliament.”
During the session, Ojerinde provided insights into parliamentary processes, legislative responsibilities, constituency representation, and democratic governance. He also exposed participants to essential parliamentary procedures, including legislative debates, quorum requirements, matters of urgent public importance, standing orders, points of order, chamber decorum, and the process through which bills become law.
The second lecture was facilitated by the Head of the Youth Mobilization and Voluntary Organizations Department of the Agency, Mr. Oladoja Muyiwa Olayiwola, who delivered an overview of Nigeria’s National Youth Policy and its relevance to youth development.
His presentation focused on critical issues affecting young people, including education, employment and entrepreneurship, health, civic participation and leadership, environmental sustainability and climate change, science, technology and innovation, security, mental health, drug abuse prevention, and the inclusion of marginalized youth groups.
Oladoja emphasized the eight thematic pillars of the National Youth Policy, urging the inductees to leverage the knowledge gained to champion progressive legislation and impactful initiatives that address the challenges facing young people in Oyo State.
The induction ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment by the members-select to uphold democratic values, promote youth-centered policies, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the state’s development agenda through the Oyo State Youth Parliament.
Equally, Valedictory service for the 2nd Assembly will be held on Thursday (today) at the House of Chiefs, Parliament building, Ibadan, at 10am.
Also, the inaugural ceremony for the 3rd Assembly will be held on Friday at the House of Chiefs, Parliament building Ibadan, at 10am.
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