The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji has pledged to place youths at the centre of governance if elected on August 15, 2026.
Oyebamiji, also known as AMBO, made the promise during an interactive session with youths in Osogbo, the state capital.
The event brought together students, young professionals, artisans, civil society organisations and community groups to engage the candidate on his plans for the state.
He outlined key areas of focus to include; political inclusion, the creative economy, sports development and skills acquisition.
The forum, organised by the Directorate of Youths, Students and Civil Society of the Osun APC Campaign Council, provided an opportunity for participants to examine the candidate’s Prosperity Agenda and seek clarification on issues affecting their future.
Oyebamiji expressed confidence in his chances at the poll, noting that his “campaign tours across the 30 local government areas have given him insight into the aspirations of residents, particularly young people.”
“Sports has been identified as a critical sector capable of stimulating economic growth and creating opportunities for young people and my team has been holding consultations on ways to reposition the sector,” Oyebamiji said.
He said he is exploring collaboration with Governors in the Southwest to establish a strong regional sports club aimed at “promoting excellence and creating opportunities for young talents.”
The Lead Discussant, Dr Lekan Olatunji, said the Prosperity Agenda was developed with youth inclusion as a major pillar, adding that young people contributed to shaping the manifesto.
He said; “Youths will not only participate in the development process under an AMBO administration but will also be involved in the implementation and evaluation of government programmes.”
“With about 67 per cent of Osun’s population below the age of 40, any meaningful development strategy must recognise young people as major drivers of productivity, innovation and economic growth.
“Improved education, skills development, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, talent development, creative economy, sports, agriculture and youth-focused wealth creation initiatives are the areas covered by the agenda,” Olatunji stated.
He also highlighted plans to revitalise the state’s free trade zone through a public-private partnership model to support production, fashion, talent development and festivals.
The Chairman of the Directorate of Youths, Students and Civil Society, Ayodele Asalu said the session was designed as an open dialogue between the candidate and young people from diverse backgrounds.
Asalu said “youths must move beyond being instruments of political mobilisation to active participants in governance and decision-making, identifying education, employment, entrepreneurship, technology and political participation as priority areas.”
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Kehinde Ayantunji said the state has witnessed a decline in sports infrastructure and youth-focused programmes in recent years, which has affected grassroots sports development.
Ayantunji urged youths to avoid thuggery and embrace opportunities in sports, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Osun Football Association, Sola Fanawopo called for increased investment in sports and the provision of basic facilities across the nine federal constituencies to promote grassroots talent development.
The deputy governorship candidate, Benjamin Adereti, said youths would play a significant role in shaping the administration’s direction.
Adereti promised improved digital penetration, greater investment in technology-driven governance and continuous capacity building for the workforce, while urging young people to acquire relevant skills.
The Chairman of the occasion, Olamilekan Badmus called on youths to support Oyebamiji in the election, expressing confidence that his administration would drive economic growth in the state.
Badmus said the forum provided an avenue for youths to engage with the candidate and understand his policy proposals.
The session featured panel discussions and a question-and-answer segment focusing on education, employment, entrepreneurship, governance, sports development and youth inclusion.
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