The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Eniola Alex, has felicitated with young people across Oyo State on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day, celebrating their energy, creativity, resilience and contributions to society.
Speaking at the Youth House in Yemetu, Ibadan, Eniola described young people as critical agents of development, stressing that they should no longer be viewed merely as leaders of tomorrow but as active changemakers who are already making meaningful contributions to their communities, the state and the nation.
The 2026 International Youth Day is being celebrated with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” which, according to the youth leader, reflects the diversity of young people and their shared aspirations for dignity, inclusion and a sustainable future.
He noted that although young people across Oyo State may face different challenges depending on their locations and circumstances, they remain united by common hopes and aspirations for a better society.
Eniola therefore called on governments at all levels to move beyond rhetoric and prioritise meaningful investments in the development and empowerment of young people.
He urged the government to create inclusive policies, reduce barriers to youth participation in politics and governance, invest more resources in youth development, expand access to quality education, strengthen digital and technical education, create meaningful employment opportunities and provide safe spaces where young innovators can develop and scale their ideas.
According to him, empowering young people is not only an investment in their future but also a crucial step towards building a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable society.
Meanwhile, the NYCN Oyo State Chairman invited interested youths across the state to the council’s International Youth Day celebration scheduled to hold on Thursday, August 13, 2026, by 9:00 a.m. at the Ibadan North-East Local Government Secretariat.
He described the event as an avenue for young people to learn, relearn, network and engage in meaningful discussions that would contribute to their personal development and the growth of society.
Eniola wished all young people in Oyo State and Nigeria a happy International Youth Day, urging them to remain resilient, innovative and actively involved in shaping the future they desire.
