A simple question to Oloye Bayo Adelabu: How Many Youths Have you Helped? By Hassan Popoola 

There are about eight key agencies under the Ministry of Power where Oloye Bayo Adelabu has served as Minister. These agencies are as follows:

– Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)

– Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)

– Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

– Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET)

– National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN)

– Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC)

– Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)

– Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).

Reportedly, between 2023 and 2026, at least five of these agencies or parastatals recruited nothing less than 500 staff each. These agencies or parastatals gave some employment slots or opportunities for some Senators and Members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State to nominate their constituents for employment which today, they have secured those placements. The question is simple, if a federal lawmaker can lobby to get slots, why is it hard for a supervisory Minister who signs and approves the recruitment to get opportunities and give to the people?

Yesterday, it was revealed that Minister Bayo Adelabu Adekola Penkelemesi presented his scorecard to the party on his achievements as Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and formally notified them of his intention to contest in the APC 2027 governorship primaries. At a time like this, it is only fair and reasonable for the public, especially the youth, to ask questions about his impact on them.

One simple question stands out: how many youths has he been able to assist through his office?

This is not about criticism, but about accountability and understanding. We have seen examples from others.

Some beneficiaries of leaders like Senator Buhari Abdulfatai and Senator Sarafadeen Alli are known. Even past ministers and public office holders have made visible efforts to support youths with job opportunities and empowerment across different ministries and agencies.

Under the Ministry of Power alone, agencies such as TCN, HYPADDEC, REA, NERC, and NISO have recently employed and recruited staff. These agencies are not just good for the people but they fall under the highest-paying in the country civil service when compared to some agencies or parastatals. They have a special salary scale, allowances and gross of other meaningful opportunities for their personnel.

Though I am aware that Bouda Bayo Adelabu Penkelemesi has once donated a whopping sum of ₦30 million as a token to support youths during his empowerment programme. While this is commendable, it raises another honest question: with the number of local governments in Oyo State, how far can this go? Can such an amount significantly empower even 200 youths in a sustainable way?

Many young people today are looking beyond occasional support. Sending ₦50,000 once in a while may help temporarily, but it does not provide long-term solutions to unemployment and economic challenges.

This is why many of us believe it is important to look at track records. Leadership is not just about holding positions, but about the lives touched and the opportunities created.

There are individuals who, even without holding major political offices like Minister or DG of good agencies, have made visible impacts. For example, Dr Kazeem K. Raji from Oyo town has shown promising efforts that people can see and relate to. Professor Adeolu Akande is widely respected among youths for his contributions, and Prof. Niyi Olowofela has also left a positive mark. Former Minister Bayo Shittu, for instance, is credited with helping over 100 youths secure opportunities in agencies like NIPOST, FAAN, NCC, and NIMC.

These examples show that impact can always be measured and felt.

At this stage, as Oyo State prepares for another important political season, it is fair for the youths and the general public to ask for clarity.

We are not asking for perfection, but for transparency.

We simply want to know: Who have you helped? What opportunities have you created? How have your positions translated into better lives for the people?

These are sincere questions, asked with respect and with hope for better leadership.

Amb. Hassan Popoola

Kishi-Man