The Osun Youth Summit 2025 has ended with a call to action for increased youth participation in governance and development. The summit, which took place on March 13th at the Oasis Conference and Event Centre in Osogbo, brought together 298 participants, including youth leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders.
In his keynote speech, Hon. Olagunju Moshood Olalekan, Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Osun State, emphasized the importance of youth participation in governance and nation-building. “Youth are the future leaders of our nation, and it is imperative that we empower them with the necessary skills and knowledge to take on leadership roles,” he said.
The summit featured a panel discussion on “Osun Youth Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions,” moderated by Babawale Jamiu Popoola, Team Lead of OneForAll Youth Development Initiative. The panelists included Hon. Adéyemí Adewumi Irekandu, representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly; CMD Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Dr. Afolabi Babatunde; and other prominent stakeholders.
The summit resolved to establish the Osun Youth Venture Fund and develop three skills hubs in Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Ilesa. Other resolutions included the integration of entrepreneurship modules into secondary schools, the facilitation of the immediate establishment of the Osun Youth Development Commission, and the publication of a biannual progress report on summit commitments.
In a call to action, the summit urged the State Government to allocate 15% of the 2026 budget to youth-focused initiatives and the Federal Government to resuscitate and rehabilitate the National Youth Development Centre in Osun State.
Babawale Jamiu Popoola, Convener of the Osun Youth Summit, said, “We are committed to ensuring that the resolutions and commitments made at this summit are implemented and sustained. We will continue to work with stakeholders to empower Osun youth and ensure their active participation in governance and development.”
The Osun Youth Summit 2025 was hosted by OneForAll Youth Development Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and promoting sustainable development in Osun State.
