By: Aluko Segun
The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Osun State Chapter, in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS Osun JCC) and the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP Osun State Caucus), has strongly condemned the unauthorized protest held at the Osun State Government Secretariat on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The coalition described the protesters as unrecognized, self-serving, and politically motivated individuals attempting to disrupt the peaceful environment of the state and undermine the administration of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke.
Speaking at a joint press conference held at the Correspondents’ Chapel, Osogbo, the NYCN State Chairman, Comrade Akinbode Olakolupo Oluwasegun, emphasized that the protest did not represent the collective voice or interest of over three million youths in Osun State. He reaffirmed that NYCN is the only statutory apex youth body established by an Act of Parliament in 1964, coordinating over 40 affiliated youth organizations across Osun. He was supported by executive members of NANS Osun JCC, NYP Osun Caucus, Voluntary Youth Organizations (VYOs), and representatives of the NYCN State Executive Council.
The youth coalition further clarified that the National Youth Confab 2025, initiated by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, remains a credible and inclusive process. It is being conducted through virtual sessions, constituency consultations, and a national conference scheduled in Abuja. Only NYCN, NANS, and NYP are officially recognized to coordinate and nominate participants to the Confab in all 36 states, with each state allotted eight slots based on merit and gender balance. The demand for multiple committee slots by an unregistered group was described as illegal and desperate.
The leadership firmly dissociated itself from the protest and warned against future attempts to mislead the public, destabilize state structures, or politicize youth engagement. It urged all youth groups to properly register with the Osun State Ministry of Youth Affairs and affiliate with NYCN before engaging in any public advocacy. The public was also advised to verify information from credible sources, while security agencies were called upon to take necessary steps to prevent unlawful gatherings and protect the state’s peace.
The NYCN Osun State Chapter, NANS Osun JCC, and NYP Osun Caucus jointly passed a *Vote of Confidence* on:
* His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for promoting youth inclusion through the National Youth Confab;
His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for his sustained youth-focused leadership;
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Moshood Olagunju, for his responsive and inclusive administration.
The youth leaders reaffirmed its commitment to responsible leadership, peaceful engagement, and building a future where youth remain partners in governance and development.