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By Daniel Adaji
The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW), a socio-cultural group, has urged the Federal Government to ensure the inclusion of credible youth representatives in the newly established South-West Development Commission (SWDC).
The call was made during an advocacy visit to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, at his office in Abuja on Friday. The meeting focused on youth empowerment, inclusion, and active participation in the implementation of the SWDC, recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement on Saturday, National Coordinator of YCYW, Asoju Ọdọ Alawode said, “We thank President Tinubu for signing the South-West Development Commission Bill into law. But we strongly advocate for the inclusion of credible youth stakeholders in the Commission’s leadership and operations.”
Alawode, who led the delegation, commended the President’s youth-inclusive policies and hailed the Minister for his consistent engagement with youth-led organisations.
“Hon. Olawande has shown passion and commitment to youth development. He is a worthy voice for youth integration in national decision-making,” he added.
In response, Olawande assured the delegation of the Ministry’s continued collaboration with youth bodies like YCYW.
“We are working with the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure no young voice is left behind. Your ideas and contributions matter, and we are ready to work with you,” he said.
National officers of the YCYW, including Queen-Mother Fakayode Abimbola, National Director of Welfare, and Ogbeni Ajibode Abd’kabir, National Publicity Secretary, expressed optimism about the Ministry’s upcoming National Youth Conference.
“This conference will be a turning point. We are proud of the steps being taken to raise the profile of Yoruba youths nationwide,” Fakayode said.
Abuja National Liaison Director of the Council, Chief Oluwemimo Kayode added: “The Ministry’s open-door policy is commendable. We will continue to support all national youth initiatives aimed at building a better Nigeria.”
Other members of the YCYW delegation included Deputy National Coordinator Omoluabi Sunday Adebowale, National Organising Secretary Omoluabi Olasupo Qozeem Olayinka, National Treasurer, Asiwaju Saheed Oloko.
The Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration and its commitment to youth-driven development across Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.