The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has applauded Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment that has significantly enhanced youth participation in politics and governance across the state.
Speaking on Thursday during an interview on BCOS Television’s programme *Lotun-Lotun*, Falana said the Makinde-led administration has dismantled long-standing barriers that previously limited young people’s involvement in politics.
“Before now, politics seemed like a closed circle reserved for a privileged few. But under Governor Makinde, the narrative has changed. Youths are now more empowered, involved, and given the platform to lead,” Falana stated.
He highlighted the administration’s youth-friendly initiatives such as recruitment into the Civil Service Commission and government parastatals, entrepreneurship support, vocational training, and the appointment of young professionals into strategic positions. According to him, these deliberate actions have demystified political leadership and encouraged young people to pursue careers in public service.
“This is a model for other states to emulate. When young people see that they have a seat at the table, they become more invested in the political process and more committed to societal progress,” he added.
Falana also commended the governor for embracing the *Not-Too-Young-To-Run* law, which he said has produced some of the youngest commissioners, lawmakers, special advisers, board chairmen, and local government executives in the country.
On achievements under his leadership, Falana revealed that the Agency for Youth Development, which had been without a chairman for over 11 years before his appointment, has now recorded remarkable progress. He noted that Governor Makinde approved the recruitment of 85 new staff to strengthen the agency, while over 1,200 youths have been trained in digital skills including web development, artificial intelligence applications, and digital marketing.
The chairman further disclosed that the agency has empowered youths in waste-to-wealth entrepreneurship, supported over 260 youth associations, and partnered with financial institutions such as First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to provide POS machines and soft loans for young entrepreneurs. Plans are also underway to organize a pitching programme in October to support startups with equipment and office space.
On the issue of money politics, Falana dismissed the belief that political office is a route to wealth, stressing that his focus remains on community and state development. He maintained that politics should be about service, not personal enrichment.
He, however, urged young people to shed the spirit of entitlement, embrace leadership responsibility, and actively participate in governance beyond election periods. He also encouraged them to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the ongoing INEC continuous voter registration exercise.
Falana concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the agency to continue mobilizing and empowering Oyo youths for progress, unity, and sustainable development in line with Governor Makinde’s vision.
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