The Ogun State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Oloye Akolawole Soyemi, has called on young people to take active roles in leadership and community development, emphasizing that the future of Nigeria depends on the strength, creativity, and unity of its youth.
In an exclusive interview with Edunright Media correspondents at the Ogun Youth House in Abeokuta, the state capital, Comrade Soyemi urged young Nigerians to remain focused, disciplined, and purpose-driven in their academic and professional pursuits.
He explained that his interest in youth development stems from a strong desire to contribute to capacity building and advocacy for young people across the state.
According to him, the challenges facing Nigerian youth remain enormous, ranging from limited empowerment opportunities to unemployment and inadequate welfare for young people.
He emphasized the need for more deliberate efforts to empower youths through sustainable job opportunities, noting that youth empowerment should not be left solely to the government.
“While the leaders play their own roles as state actors, the youth should also be given platforms to reach their expectations, explore their potential, and take advantage of opportunities available in their environment,” he said.
Comrade Soyemi also encouraged young people to prioritize skill acquisition alongside formal education, stressing the importance of self-reliance.
“Let my skills pay my bills,” he said, urging youths to develop practical skills that can help them achieve financial independence rather than relying solely on academic certificates.
The NYCN chairman commended the Chief Executive Officer of Edunright Media for providing practical and quality training to students undergoing their SIWES programme, describing the initiative as a major contribution to youth empowerment and media capacity development in the state.
Comrade Soyemi reaffirmed his commitment to continuous collaboration with institutions and organizations that share the vision of grooming responsible and innovative young leaders who will drive Nigeria’s development agenda in the years ahead.