Good day, distinguished comrades, stakeholders in youth development, student leaders, head of voluntary youth organizations, fellow patriots, gentlemen of the press, ladies, and gentlemen.
I am Comrade Akinbode Olakolupo Oluwasegun, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Osun State Chapter. With me today are the chairman and members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) OSUN JCC chairman, Comr. Solomon Ayobami Abel, the Nigerian Youth Parliament OSUN STATE CANCUS, represented by SenatorAdekunle Akinrinade, heads of various Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYOs), and members of the NYCN Osun State Executive Council.
It is with a deep sense of responsibility, and on behalf of the over three million youths in Osun State, that we welcome you all to this World Press Conference, holding today, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Correspondents’ Chapel here in Olaiya, Osogbo.
This gathering is momentous not just for Osun, but for Nigeria at large as it represents a convergence of leading youth-focused bodies, including the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP OSUN CAUCUS), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS OSUN JCC), to speak with one voice on matters affecting the youth and youth leadership in our state, our future, and the direction of our state.
Let us be clear:
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) is the only apex and umbrella body for all youth organisations across Osun State and Nigeria. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1964, and firmly entrenched in Osun State since its creation from the old Oyo State in 1991, the NYCN coordinates over 40 affiliated youth organisations, each duly representing various sectors of our vibrant youth population. NYCN is structured into national, Zonal, State Chapters local branches and wards. the NYCN is constitutionally tasked with coordinating youth activities, policy formulation, and development initiatives nationwide. The NYCN operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development at the national level and the state ministry of youth affairs at each state of the federation we proudly affiliated with the World Assembly of Youth and the Pan-African Youth Union.
Through strategic collaboration, the NYCN, NYP OSUN CAUCUS and NANS OSUN JCC has been instrumental in implementing empowerment programs, entrepreneurship training, civic engagement, education support, and grassroots mobilization. Numerous organizations and associations are affiliated with the NYCN and can only be recognized through its structure.
We are particularly proud to support the National Youth Confab 2025, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development aimed at positioning young Nigerians as key players in policy development and nation-building.
According to the document released by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, this landmark program is being implemented, though: Virtual engagements across digital platforms,
Constituency consultations across the 36 states and FCT,
Culminating in a National Conference in Abuja.
Let it be know that only three statutory youth bodies are officially recognized by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth Development to participate in the confab namely the NYCN, NANS, and the Nigerian Youth Parliament. All states were allocated eight slots each and each Commissioner to chair the committee, with a clear mandate for 50:50 gender representation, and these slots were allocated through a fair process involving the statutory bodies.
As the chairman of the umbrella body I can attest that Hon Commissioner of youth affairs Hon Moshood Olagunju has not in anyway cause confusion or fight within the youth constituency, he has strictly followed the directive of the Hon minister of youth and the directive is quoted in the confab document which is a public document. Hon Moshood Olagunju has been a unifying force within the youth constituency making sure there's no issue that cab cause unrest in our dear state.
It is then a matter of necessity as the representatives of the youth populace to
address the recent unauthorized protest witnessed in Osun State Secretariat on 24th June 2025, reportedly orchestrated by an unregistered and unknown group, which has unfortunately caused percieved tension within our state.
We are deeply concerned about the attempt by this unrecognized, self serving and politically motivated groups to stage a protest against a process they were never a part of, nor legally mandated to be involved in. Their actions are clearly aimed at sabotaging the efforts of the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, a man who has consistently demonstrated his genuine commitment to youth development, inclusivity, and good governance via osun state ministry of youth affairs
Let it be categorically stated:
The NYCN Osun State Chapter, NANS OSUN JCC, NYP OSUN CAUCUS and all its affiliates had no knowledge or involvement in that protest. Such actions, uncoordinated and without legitimate representation, only serve to distort public peace and mislead the populace at a time when calm and coordinated engagement is needed most.
Let it also be known that we reject in totality any attempt to politicize youth representation or disrupt the harmony of our state. These protests are not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension in the state.
we have heard some of their agitations, and we say boldly, they are baseless. How can an unregistered and unrecognized body that is not a youth organization demanded for four good slot from confab committee membership? Calming they started the work that lead to confab. Some say they are the recognized youth group. But are they in the national committee of the Confab inaugurated by the president? No. Were they there in 2021 national conference where the agitation started under president Muhammadu Buhari through the then minister of youth and sport development? So why are they now selfishly and politically motivated to destroy the peace of our dear state? This alone exposes the falsity of their claims and the baselessness of their so-called demands.
We, therefore:
Call on all youth organizations to ensure proper registration, through the state ministry of youth affairs with their CAC certificate and equally affiliate with the youth council being the umbrella body before engaging in public demonstrations.
We urge the public to verify sources of information, as misinformation can undermine societal harmony.
We also call on the security agencies to intensify vigilance, in curbing unlawful assemblies, while ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights within the bounds of the law.
Osun State must remain peaceful, progressive, and united. As the youth representatives, we strongly advocates for dialogue, legal engagement, and collaboration with relevant authorities. We must all remember that a friendly and youth-involved government is one that deserves support not sabotage.
In line with our collective assessment and position, the NYCN OSUN STATE CHAPTER, NYP OSUN CAUCUS, NANS OSUN JCC hereby passes a Vote of Confidence on:
1. His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing platforms like the National Youth Confab and ensuring youth inclusion in national policy-making.
2. His Excellency, Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, for fostering a youth-friendly environment and supporting our various development programs in Osun State.
3. The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Affairs in Osun State, Hon. Moshood Olagunju, for his continuous support and responsive leadership.
Permit me to thank my partners in youth development, the Nigerian Youth Parliament osun caucus and NANS OSUN JCC leadership for their strategic synergy in promoting youth voice and visibility at the national and state level. Together, we move forward united in strength and clarity of purpose.
Finally
Let it be known: We are the youth of osun, resilient, responsible, and ready to lead.
We invite every youth body, stakeholder, media organization, and government agency to join us in this renewed movement for peace, partnership, and purposeful engagement.
Let us stay the course. Let us reject distractions. Let us move as one.
Build the Youth, Build the Nation.
Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win.
Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta.
Thank you, and God bless osun State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.