Political leaders and stakeholders in Oyo State have called for greater participation of youths and women in politics, urging them to move beyond token benefits and take active roles in policy formulation and leadership.
The was the submission of speakers at the opening of the 2026 Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi GRA.
The two-day summit, themed “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilising Emerging Leaders for 2027,” was convened by Hon. Wale Ajani.
In her presentation, AI governance expert, Dr. Success Ojo, lamented the “back-bench” role often assigned to women and young people in politics.
She urged youths and women to aspire for more than “rice, stipends and other short-term incentives” offered by politicians.
Ojo encouraged participants to leverage digital advancement and artificial intelligence to acquire new skills and create sustainable opportunities.
“Young people should not remain dependent on stipends from politicians for survival but should build their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society and the political process,” she said.
Representing the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Mr. Abdulraheem Adebayo said youth participation would help drive policies that can make the country better.
He urged young people to see politics as an opportunity to influence policies and contribute to national development, rather than seeking personal benefits.
Former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, advised emerging leaders to educate themselves and remain patient.
“Politics is turn by turn. Prepare yourself adequately. Political opportunities will come at the appropriate time,” he said.
Also speaking, Oyo State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Olalekan Glory, said the party was committed to supporting young candidates and expressed confidence in APC’s victory in 2027.
He dismissed the notion that youths are only used as political thugs, urging them to become proactive participants.
The APC State Women Leader, Dr. Felicia Opatunde, also called for a stronger role for women in decision-making.
“Women must no longer be content to occupy the audience. They must be at the table where decisions are made,” she said.
In his welcome address, Ajani said the summit was organised to sensitise the younger generation to collaboration, engagement and peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He acknowledged Dr. Zacch Adedeji for encouraging him to organise the summit in Oyo State.
The event featured panel discussions, networking sessions and workshops on grassroots mobilisation, party unity and strategic engagement.
Dignitaries present included Alhaja Tawa Alli, wife of the Oyo State APC governorship candidate, representatives of public institutions, and emerging leaders from across the state.
