NYCN Oyo Chapter Begins 2026 Engagements with Courtesy Visit to Oyo Agency for Youth Chairman …as Falana, NYCN delegate tour ongoing new office construction site.

The Oyo State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has paid a New Year courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Falana Adebowale Adebayo, reaffirming its commitment to youth development and seeking sustained collaboration with the Agency in 2026.

The delegation was led by the State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Eniola Alex, and comprised leaders of the Christian Wing, Muslim Wing, Shafaolu Guards of Nigeria, the Nigerian Age Group led by Mama Afunleyi, the FOWAN Group, the First Aid Group, among other affiliated youth and voluntary associations within the Council.

Speaking during the visit, Comrade Eniola Alex explained that the visit was to formally wish the Chairman a Happy New Year, brief him on the Council’s activities for the express appreciation for his immense support in 2025, particularly his role during the last NYCN, congress which ushered in the current state executives. He noted that the Chairman’s leadership and coordination ensured a peaceful and credible congress process.

He further outlined the Council’s 2026 roadmap, which includes zonal engagements already conducted in Saki and Oyo zones, as well as a recent visit to Ogbomoso Zone to sympathize with members over the killing of forest guards by suspected armed bandits.

According to him, the Council is also addressing reports of illegal youth migration and will soon commence congresses across all local governments to elect new leaders, who will be sworn in immediately.

Comrade Alex added that NYCN plans to roll out advocacy campaigns against youth thuggery, electoral malpractices, and other social vices, alongside skills acquisition programmes for youths across the state. He disclosed that preparations are already in top gear for the International Youth Week slated for August, noting that all programmes have been mapped out from now till then. He also informed the Chairman of plans for non-elective congresses to produce new leaders, as directed by the national executive council, and renewed sensitisation tours to Saki and Ibarapa zones on insecurity and illegal migration.

Various leaders of the Council’s affiliate groups used the opportunity to commend the Chairman while making specific requests. The Amiru of the Muslim Wing, Rahmon Ishola Ganiyu, appreciated the Chairman’s support but appealed for robust grants and improved mobility to enhance operations. Similarly, the leader of the Christian Wing, Mr. Akogun, described the Chairman’s role as instrumental to the peaceful conduct of their congress and called for sustained support, particularly in the areas of mobility and youth participation.

Mr. J.A. Olaiya expressed gratitude to the Agency for efforts toward securing land or an office space for the NYCN, popularly referred to as the “Youth House,” noting that similar facilities exist in neighbouring states. Mr. Tajudeen also praised the Chairman’s patience and leadership style in managing the affairs of the Council.

The leader of the Nigerian Age Group, Mama Afunleyi, lamented years of neglect and lack of recognition by the state, appealing for support, especially ahead of the arrival of Muslim pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.

She recalled that the group only gained recognition this year following a fatal accident involving a pilgrim last year, and passionately solicited government assistance. Comrade Akanbi Muideen Olawale echoed calls for grants to support voluntary associations in discharging their responsibilities effectively.

In his welcome address, the Director of Administration and Supplies of the Agency, Mr. Osungbaro, described the visit as encouraging, noting that the presence of multiple groups under the NYCN umbrella demonstrated unity and strong working relationships within the Council. He assured the delegation of the Chairman’s unwavering support, adding that the Chairman’s pace and commitment to youth development remain exemplary.

Responding, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Falana Adebowale Adebayo, thanked God, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Agency’s management staff, elders of the NYCN, affiliated associations, and the current executives for their cooperation since assuming office. He described leading such a large and diverse youth body as a responsibility he is proud to shoulder.

The Chairman reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to youth-driven governance, stressing that his mandate is to ensure all youths benefit from the Agency’s programmes irrespective of political affiliation. He noted that the Agency has strengthened its engagement with youth associations through improved relationships and collaboration, adding that no organisation thrives in isolation.

He disclosed that the Governor has approved a permanent office complex for the Agency, which will accommodate youth associations and other stakeholders. According to him, the project—comprising at least eight office spaces and other amenities—is already underway and targeted for completion and commissioning by August, in celebration of Youth Day.

He, however stated that together with him and the NYCN delegation will tour the ongoing new office construction opposite the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Prince Falana further revealed that plans for mobility support are ongoing, with the possibility of buses being commissioned alongside the new office complex. He highlighted Governor Makinde’s record as one of the highest employers of labour in the state’s history, citing the approval of 85 staff for the Agency within one week of his appointment.

He assured the NYCN that the proposed anti-thuggery campaign will be co-funded by the Agency and fully supported to ensure its success. Emphasising the importance of data-driven planning, he requested proper documentation from the Council and its executives to enable targeted interventions and effective engagement with the Governor.

The Chairman concluded by assuring the delegation of their inclusion in all Agency programmes, describing NYCN as a priority stakeholder, and thanked them for the visit.

Those present at the meeting included the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Osungbaro; Chairman, Tech-Driven Committee, Mr. KJ Sexy; Asiwaju YSO Oladunni; Opeyemi Rasheed; and Uzain Mariam.