Makinde Has Redefined Youth Development in Oyo’ — Falana Unveils 2025 Youth Scorecard on Fresh FM

The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. (Prince) Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has lauded Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for what he described as an impressive 2025 performance scorecard, saying the administration has deliberately repositioned youths to excel across all sectors of the economy.

Falana made this known on Monday during a live interview on Fresh FM, Ibadan, on a programme titled “2025 Scorecard Review – Oyo State Agency for Youth Development.”

According to him, Governor Makinde’s youth-centred policies and inclusive leadership style have transformed youth development in Oyo State, creating real opportunities in entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, creative industries, governance and skills acquisition.

He noted that the administration has ensured that young people are no longer passive beneficiaries of government programmes but active stakeholders in the state’s development process, enabling Oyo youths to compete favourably at both national and international levels.

Falana also commended the governor for bridging the gap between academic training and employability through initiatives such as the Oyo State Sub-national African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pitching platform, which equips young people with practical, market-ready skills.

He reiterated that the mandate of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development is to protect the rights of youths aged 15 to 35, empower them through skills acquisition, promote responsible citizenship and improve their overall quality of life.

Highlighting the agency’s activities in 2025, Falana disclosed that the state government approved permanent office accommodation for the agency, with construction and renovation of a permanent office complex already underway at the Secretariat.

He listed several youth-focused engagements and partnerships, including collaboration with registered youth organisations, support for the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), participation in artisan and creative industry programmes, and partnerships with Kunle Afolayan Film Academy, Planet 3R, Globacom, OYSADA, Jumoby Foundation, FCMB and the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme.

According to him, over 1,000 youths benefited from waste-to-wealth training programmes, while others gained access to agricultural loans, digital empowerment initiatives, POS machines, agent loans and health insurance schemes.

Falana further highlighted the agency’s interventions in skill acquisition centres, leadership training, orientation programmes, gender-based psychological development initiatives and refresher courses for youth apprentices across the state.

He also noted the agency’s participation in media advocacy on youth political participation, as well as the awards received in recognition of its commitment to youth empowerment and drug abuse prevention.

On entertainment and creative engagement, Falana said the agency successfully supported major youth-focused events, including an international music concert that attracted over 30,000 youths, cultural festivals and platforms showcasing Oyo State musicians.

Looking ahead, he revealed plans to organise a MIC and Mix competition for artistes, DJs and hypemen in the state in the coming year.

“The 2025 scorecard clearly shows that Governor Seyi Makinde has redefined youth development in Oyo State. Today, our youths are excelling across all sectors because they are being empowered, engaged and trusted to lead,” Falana said.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining and expanding youth-driven programmes in line with the administration’s development agenda, urging youths across the state to remain proactive, law-abiding and supportive of government initiatives.