The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Adebowale Falana, has stated that the agency’s efforts to empower young people in the state are producing tangible results.
Speaking at a press conference to mark his first anniversary in office, Falana highlighted the agency’s achievements over the past year, including partnerships, training programmes, and upcoming initiatives aimed at equipping youths with practical skills.
Falana commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support of youth-focused initiatives and outlined the agency’s collaboration with The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to provide vocational and technical training for young people.
Looking ahead, he announced plans to establish a Technology Hub and Skill Acquisition Centre, where youths can access affordable training. He also revealed an ongoing partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), which aims to empower at least 5,000 youths across the state with hands-on skills and industry experience.
To ensure inclusivity, the agency is engaging with six registered youth groups, including the Association of Oyo State Youth Platforms (ASOYOUP), to broaden the reach and impact of its programmes.
“Our first year has been challenging, but rewarding,” Falana said. “We are committed to ensuring that the youth benefit directly from government policies through empowerment, mentorship, and internship opportunities.”
Reflecting on the recent Oyo Youth Summit, he noted its positive impact on shifting youth mindsets toward self-reliance. However, he acknowledged that a key challenge remains in overcoming a growing sense of entitlement among youths.
“We need our young people to embrace our programmes with the right mindset,” he emphasized.
Falana concluded by urging Oyo youths to take full advantage of the opportunities being provided, reaffirming the Makinde administration’s dedication to youth development.
