Title: Youth, Politics & Responsibility: The Urgent Call Ahead of the June 26 Youth Summit

Ido Local Government, Ibadan — In the lead-up to the much-anticipated Youth Leadership & Political Engagement Summit scheduled for June 26, two young thought leaders — Michael Ogunsina and Adeoti Mudas Opeyemi — sat down for a critical discussion about the state of political awareness among Nigerian youth.

The conversation, which featured a compelling mention of the Summit’s convener, Hon. Hammed Ademola Babalola, captured pressing issues of political literacy, tribal bias, and the disconnect between young Nigerians and governance.

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INTERVIEW EXCERPT

Adeoti Mudas Opeyemi (Interviewer):

Why is this conversation important now?

Michael Ogunsina (Interviewee):

I’m really glad this conversation is coming up at such a crucial time. It’s no secret — our generation is at risk. We’re dealing with misinformation, a lack of political direction, and seriously distorted narratives, especially around leadership, politics, and governance.

Many young Nigerians — both Millennials and Gen Z — have a warped view of politics. To them, it’s just about making money or securing their share of the “national cake.” That mindset is a fundamental problem — and we have to address it now, not later.

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Adeoti Opeyemi:

What’s stopping young people from engaging properly in politics?

Michael Ogunsina:

We’ve been challenged over the last few years. Many youths don’t even fully understand why they’re doing what they’re doing politically. They don’t realize the power of their thumb — the vote — during elections.

You’ll hear some say they’re in PDP because they’re “conservatives,” but when you dig deeper, what exactly are they conserving? The same goes for APC — some say they’re “progressives,” but do they truly know what being progressive means?

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Adeoti Opeyemi:

So you’re suggesting many votes weren’t cast based on ideology?

Michael Ogunsina:

Yes, exactly. During the last elections, many youth didn’t vote based on ideology at all. Some voted because of tribal or religious affiliations. For instance, someone might have voted for a Muslim-Muslim ticket just because they’re also Muslim. Or they supported Peter Obi simply because he’s Igbo — like them.

Others were just influenced by online trends — you know, the #Obidient movement on Twitter. But the real question is: Do you understand what or who you’re voting for? That’s why this conversation, and this summit, is absolutely necessary right now.

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Adeoti Opeyemi:

Any final words ahead of the Summit?

Michael Ogunsina:

I really want to salute my friend Hon. Hammed Ademola Babalola for putting together this Summit. It’s timely, it’s necessary, and I’ll be there to fully support him. This event is a huge step toward reshaping how youth engage with leadership and politics.

Thank you for the interrogation.

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About the Event

The Youth Leadership & Political Engagement Summit takes place on June 26, 2025, and aims to bring together passionate young Nigerians, political thought leaders, and changemakers for a day of learning, discussion, and vision-setting. The summit will feature keynotes, panels, breakout sessions, and opportunities for youth to learn about political ideologies, civic responsibility, and strategic leadership.

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Event Details:

📅 Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025

📍 Location: Mega City Center, Along Ologuneru Ido Road, Ibadan

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM

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Media Contact:

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