Oyo Unveils Selection Panel for New Youth Parliament Assembly

The Oyo State Agency for Youth Development under the visionary leadership of the Chairman, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has inaugurated a selection committee to oversee the dissolution of the 2nd Assembly and the constitution of the 3rd Assembly of the Oyo State Youth Parliament, in a renewed effort to deepen youth participation in governance.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan, with key stakeholders from government institutions, youth bodies, and federal agencies in attendance.

The committee comprises representatives from the legislative arm, executive offices, and relevant youth-focused organisations, which are; the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports, Hon. Yusuff Adebisi; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adefemi Adegoke; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede; and the Clerk of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Taiwo Muraina Akinola.

Other members include officials from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mrs. Omotayo Florence, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)Mr. Akinpelu A. Kehinde, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Mr. Eniola Alex, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, Hon. Micheal Ogunsina, Mrs. Nancy-Bassey Olayinka Muraina, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Consultant on Youth group, representatives of registered youth groups in the state, Comrade Farayola, Coordinating Director, Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo Idowu and all other Directors of the Agency.

In his welcome address, the Coordinating Director of the Agency, Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo Idowu commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde for approving both the valedictory session of the 2nd Assembly and the constitution of the 3rd Assembly of the Youth Parliament.

He noted that the inauguration of the committee marks a critical step toward strengthening youth inclusion in governance.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the Agency, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, applauded the youth-friendly Governor, His Excellency Engr ‘Seyi Makinde while describing the development as a milestone in the administration’s commitment to youth development.

He noted that the Youth Parliament, which had previously experienced a lull, has now been revitalised through deliberate policy action.

Falana disclosed that the approval for the constitution of the 3rd Assembly followed a formal memo submitted to the Governor on March 25, 2026.

He emphasised that the committee has been carefully constituted to ensure a transparent, credible, and merit-based selection process.

He charged members of the committee to uphold the highest standards of accountability and fairness, stressing the need to select competent and visionary youths capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of the state.

The Chairman also expressed appreciation to stakeholders, including the House Committee on Youth and Sports, the Clerk of the House, and representatives of federal agencies and youth organisations, for their continued support.

In his remarks, Hon. Yusuff Adebisi lauded the Governor for providing an enabling environment for youth-focused initiatives, reiterating the commitment of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly to support the Agency’s programmes.

Similarly, the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Taiwo Muraina Akinola, commended the leadership of the Agency for its proactive approach to youth development, pledging institutional support for initiatives that promote innovation and creativity among young people.

Also speaking, Hon. Micheal Ogunsina underscored the importance of fairness in the selection process, urging committee members to avoid nepotism and prioritise competence.

He noted that Oyo State’s youthful population presents significant opportunities for innovation and long-term development.

Representatives of federal agencies, including the NDLEA and NOA, highlighted the importance of integrity, transparency, and proper orientation in the selection process. They pledged their support in ensuring that only qualified and responsible youths emerge as members of the parliament.

Youth organisations present at the event commended the initiative, describing it as a platform to nurture leadership, encourage civic engagement, and amplify the voices of young people in the state.

A representative of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Salami Mahmud Kayode noted that the process goes beyond selection, describing it as an opportunity to identify individuals with the vision, values, and capacity to shape the future of society.

He emphasised that leadership within the Youth Parliament should be anchored on service, accountability, and courage, urging prospective candidates to demonstrate clarity of purpose and a commitment to societal progress.

The committee was also tasked with ensuring a rigorous screening process, including verification of candidates’ eligibility, orientation, and adherence to non-partisanship.

Members were further directed to ensure wide publicity of the nomination process through newspaper advertisements, to guarantee inclusiveness and equal opportunity for all eligible youths across the state.

The inauguration of the selection committee marks a significant step toward the establishment of a vibrant and functional 3rd Assembly of the Oyo State Youth Parliament, aimed at fostering leadership development and active youth participation in governance.