The Ogun State government has taken a significant step in promoting inclusive governance by engaging over 2,000 youths and stakeholders in a strategic retreat. The event, held at Omo Ilu Hall in Ijebu Igbo, provided a platform for meaningful interaction between government representatives and young people.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on OPIC, Housing and Special Projects, Prince Farooq Adenugba, stated that the retreat was designed to provide a platform for identifying pressing issues and jointly seeking practical solutions. He noted that the forum reflected the administration's commitment to listening to citizens and ensuring that public policies respond to their needs.

Participants at the retreat urged the government to prioritize youth empowerment through job creation, industrial development, vocational and technical education, improved road infrastructure, reliable electricity supply, and effective flood control measures. They also called for the restoration of local government autonomy, the establishment of constituency offices to strengthen communication between elected officials and constituents, and sustained efforts to curb political violence and thuggery.

The event featured discussions on the political future of Ogun State, with organisers expressing support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in 2027, and Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun as his running mate. The youths also endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East Senatorial seat while reaffirming their support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Responding to concerns raised by participants, Adenugba disclosed that the government had approved the reconstruction of the road linking the Permanent Site of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, to Ijebu Igbo. He stated that the project had been scheduled for completion within six months and described it as one of the government's strategic interventions to improve infrastructure and stimulate economic activities in the area.

Adenugba assured participants that the resolutions reached during the engagement would not be ignored. He urged young people to remain actively involved in governance through constructive engagement, stressing that government benefits from continuous feedback from citizens.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Otunba Deji Kalejaiye, commended Adenugba for creating a platform that allowed thousands of young people to engage directly with government officials. He stated that such interactions would deepen democratic accountability, strengthen public confidence in government, and encourage greater youth participation in governance.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Senator Gbenga Kaka, a former deputy governor of the state; Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency; Hon. Olatunbosun Ipaye; Hon. Engr. Segun Odunuga, representing Ijebu North II Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly; and the Senior Special Adviser on Transport, Alhaji Hon. Moibi Olufidun, among others.

#### Key Facts

  • Over 2,000 youths and stakeholders attended the strategic youth retreat.
  • Participants called for the restoration of local government autonomy, the establishment of constituency offices, and sustained efforts to curb political violence and thuggery.
  • The government has approved the reconstruction of the road linking the Permanent Site of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, to Ijebu Igbo.
  • The project is scheduled for completion within six months.
  • The event featured discussions on the political future of Ogun State and the endorsement of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in 2027.