The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on OPIC, Housing and Special Projects, Prince Farooq Adenugba, has said sustained Ogun youth engagement remains essential to building inclusive governance and addressing the social and economic challenges facing communities across the state.
Adenugba made the remarks during the Strategic Ijebu North Youth Retreat and Engagement held at Omo Ilu Hall in Ijebu Igbo, where more than 2,000 youths and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered to discuss governance, political participation, community development and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the retreat was organised to create direct interaction between government representatives and young people, allowing both sides to identify pressing concerns and explore practical solutions.
“This is not a campaign. It is an opportunity to compare notes, identify the pain points affecting the youths and society, and also share some of the initiatives, programmes and projects the government is implementing,” Adenugba said.
He noted that the initiative reflected the administration’s commitment to ensuring government policies remain responsive to the needs and aspirations of citizens through continuous Ogun youth engagement.
During the retreat, participants called on governments at all levels to prioritise youth empowerment through employment opportunities, industrial growth, vocational and technical education, improved road infrastructure, reliable electricity and effective flood control measures. They also advocated the restoration of local government autonomy, the establishment of constituency offices to strengthen communication between elected representatives and citizens, as well as stronger efforts to curb political violence and thuggery.
The gathering also featured political discussions, with organisers expressing support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election and Mrs Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun as his preferred running mate. Participants equally endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East Senatorial seat while reaffirming support for President Bola Tinubu.
Responding to issues raised during the engagement, Adenugba disclosed that the Ogun State Government had approved the reconstruction of the road linking the Permanent Site of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye to Ijebu Igbo. He said the project is expected to be completed within six months and described it as a strategic infrastructure intervention aimed at boosting economic activities in the area.
The governor’s aide further assured participants that recommendations from the retreat would be documented and forwarded to the appropriate state and federal authorities for policy consideration. He encouraged young people to remain actively involved in governance through constructive participation, stressing that government benefits from regular public feedback.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Otunba Deji Kalejaiye, commended Adenugba for providing a platform that enabled thousands of youths to engage directly with government officials. He said such initiatives would strengthen democratic accountability, increase public confidence in government and promote greater youth participation in governance.
Among dignitaries present at the event were Senator Gbenga Kaka, former Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency; Hon. Olatunbosun Ipaye; Hon. Engr. Segun Odunuga, representing Ijebu North II Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly; and the Senior Special Adviser on Transport, Alhaji Hon. Moibi Olufidun, among others.
