The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development (AYD), Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition, and inclusive development across the state, as he featured on Omoluabi 87.7 FM, Ibadan, on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Speaking during an interactive radio programme anchored by Agbolahan Alade Afifilasako, Falana outlined the agency’s mandate, ongoing interventions, and future plans aimed at transforming young people into productive contributors to the state’s economy.
The programme also provided a platform for callers across the state to engage the AYD chairman on youth employment, vocational training, digital skills, and government support for youth-focused initiatives.
When asked about the Mandate of AYD?
“The Oyo State Agency for Youth Development is structured to identify, nurture, and transform young people between the ages of 18 and 35, extended to 40 in Oyo State, across all talents, skills, and creative capacities.
On Youth Development Focus
“Our work cuts across drug abuse prevention, political orientation, entrepreneurship, vocational skills, arts, entertainment, and digital innovation.”
On Youth Engagement and Reach
“We currently work with over 658 registered youth groups and associations across the state, including NYCN, NYC, PROTAAN, ASOYORC, entertainment stakeholders, and others.”
On Achievements So Far
“From waste-to-wealth vocational training with Planet 3R, to three phases of digital skills training reaching thousands, the Agency for Youth Development has continued to expand youth opportunities.”
Speaking on Entertainment and Creative Industry Impact
Adebowale reiterated that the Agency’s partnership with DMW led to a five-city tour across Oyo State, recording over 34,000 attendees, one of the biggest youth entertainment engagements in the state’s history.”
Speaking on Agriculture and Entrepreneurship
“Through collaboration with Oyo State agribusiness Development Agency, (OYSADA) on the YEAP initiative, youths trained in agribusiness will each receive ₦2 million, with funds to be disbursed through FCMB.”
The anchor, Agbolahan Alade Afifilasako asked the Chairman to speak on 2026 Youth Programmes
Adebowale said; “From February, we will roll out digital skills and cybersecurity training with professional experts, alongside ten grassroots skills programmes across the five zones of the state.
On ‘Mix and Mic’ Competition
“The Mix and Mic DJ and Hypeman competition offers prize winnings of up to ₦5 million, alongside two plots of land for outstanding winners.
On Governor Makinde’s Support
Adebowale Falana stated that, “Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently supported the agency, including approving the construction of a modern office complex now under rehabilitation.
On Budget and Capacity
According to Adebowale, the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development operates as a service-driven agency, with a ₦2.4 billion budget dedicated to youth empowerment and development in 2026. He assured the teeming youths of the pacesetting state of symbolic empowerment.
On Youth Employment
He commended the father of the youth in Pacesetter State, His Excellency Engr ‘Seyi Makinde for sporadic Youth employment that cuts across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Oyo State.
In fact, youths constitute the highest percentage of workers in public service today — a first in our time.
On Leadership Philosophy
Falana says “We are not special; we simply listen to stakeholders, implement collective resolutions, and work with youth clusters across the state. Stressing that leadership has no magic formula, his achievement was symbolic through the stakeholders framework and inclusiveness policy on Justice, equity, and fairness.
On Open-Door Policy
He says, “Ideas flow freely here. With an open-door policy, innovation in vocational and skills training has become our strength.
Speaking on Inclusiveness
Adebowale added that Youth development is not political. Artisans and informal workers are encouraged to register with recognised associations to be fully included as well as make formal registration at the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development for them to be among the clusters of associations registered under the government.
While explaining the address or Access to the Agency
He said the agency is open to all youths and is located beside the Ministry of Finance, Secretariat, Ibadan.
While asking about the Two-Year Outlook for the Agency,
Adebowale said, “Our priority is to complete and commission the new office, expand skills acquisition programmes, and empower at least 200 youths in digital skills with gadgets inclusive.
On his Final Advice to Youths
“This is not the era of entitlement. The economy demands productivity, vocational engagement, and skills for survival and growth.
Equally, the callers applauded the executive Governor of Oyo State Engr ‘Seyi Makinde for providing state-of-the-art facilities for the Agency for Youth Development in making them transforming the Pacesetter youth beyond reasonable doubts.
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