The Coalition of non-governmental organisations on Youth Development has unveiled the public presentation of the Osun Youth Development Charter (2026-2030) to the State Government with a view to youth inclusion in the government developmental agenda.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, the state capital, the Coordinator of the Coalition, Mr Semiu Adabanija who presented the charter, noted that Young people’s dreams and aspirations find expression in a society that nurtures and waters them.
He said that the document – Youth Development Charter (2026-2030) – was born out of the need for better opportunities for Osun youths.
According to him, “the Charter is a non-partisan, evidence-based framework that was developed through a participatory and consultative process.”
Adabanija noted that the Charter was designed to ensure that priorities contained in the document reflect the realities and aspirations of young people across Osun State.
He said; “It is a constructive guide for youth-focused governance and Sustainable development in Osun State for the next administration.
“Over the past weeks, a coalition of 10 youth-focused civil society organisations and stakeholders engaged with over 50 youth leaders, consulted with 38 youth focused organisations and sampled the opinions of over 400 Osun youths through an online survey at Osunyouthcharter.org. “
“We engaged with students, entrepreneurs, artisans, professionals, youth groups, and youth leaders from across the state. The result is the Osun Youth Development Charter built around eight key pillars. Jobs/SME development; Digital Economy; Education and skills development, Digital economy, Peace and Security; Health and wellbeing; Agribusiness, Green Economy and inclusive Governance.
“From the survey so far, the 5 top priority demands of Osun youths are first: the creation of at least 100,000 quality, direct jobs in the next four years. We believe this will create a lot of other indirect jobs and economic stimulation. Second, is the Digital Economy with the creation of digital and technology hubs across Osun State. Following it, is Functional Education from elementary to tertiary levels with the right incentives for staff and outstanding students. Fourth is Peace and Security of lives and fifth is the inclusion of young men, women, and people with disabilities in governance. These pillars represent the issues young people identified as most critical,” he said.
Adabanija said the Osun Youth Charter online platform (osunyouthcharter.org) will continue to be functional for collating more youth opinions, track progress in youth development and give updates.
He said Accountability Network, an arm of the Coalition will continue to engage with all organs of government and publish an annual Osun youth development report for the next 4 years
Avoid Violence
The Youth Coalition condemned the violence recorded in some parts of Osun State and called on security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice, even as it advised youths to shun violence in all its forms.
Adabanija urged the government and the people of Osun State to remain peaceful and fruitful in order to allow the government to deliver greater opportunities and benefits to the citizens.
He stressed the Coalition’s belief and commitment to investing in young people as the surest investment in the future of Osun State.
Adabanija also sought the cooperation of the youths in building a state where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their collective future.
