Theme: “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”
On the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day, the State Leadership and all 33 Local Government Coordinators of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Oyo State Chapter, extend warm felicitations to the dynamic, brilliant, and resilient youths of Oyo State.
This year’s global theme, *“Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,”* resonates deeply with the realities of Oyo State. While our young people come from diverse backgrounds, towns, and experiences spanning Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun, Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and Oyo, we share remarkably similar aspirations. Across the state, Oyo youths seek dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education, and a sustainable future.
The Nigerian Youth Congress recognizes that young people are no longer the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today. In Oyo State, this is evident in every sector. From tech founders building innovative solutions in Ibadan, to agripreneurs transforming agriculture, to creatives projecting Oyo culture to the world, and to volunteers, health workers, teachers, and community leaders driving change across all 33 LGAs Oyo youths are already shaping the present and future of our dear state.
In line with the 2026 theme, we acknowledge that while our contexts differ, the challenges confronting young people are shared. These include economic uncertainty, the need for digital inclusion, the impact of climate change, and the demand for greater participation in governance and decision making processes. It is against this backdrop that we call on Oyo youths to lead with innovation by leveraging digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to build businesses and solve local problems. We also charge you to demand and create inclusion by taking your rightful place at the table in governance, policy, and community development at the LGA, state, and national levels. Furthermore, we urge you to translate these common aspirations into local youth action through entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and volunteerism, so that every LGA in Oyo State becomes a hub of youth led development. Above all, we encourage unity of purpose, because what unites us as Oyo youths and as global youth is far greater than what divides us.
As the Nigerian Youth Congress, Oyo State Chapter, we remain committed to amplifying youth voices and initiatives across all platforms. We will continue to partner with the Oyo State Government under *His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde*, to create more opportunities for skills acquisition, employment, and leadership. We will also provide a sustainable platform for dialogue, partnership, and the showcasing of youth led initiatives that contribute to the development agenda of the state.
We align with the position of the United Nations Secretary General, *António Guterres*, who noted that: _“by working with young people as equal partners, we can unlock the demographic dividend and accelerate sustainable development.”_
In conclusion, this is the moment for Oyo youths to rise. Your aspirations are valid, your context is unique, but our goal is singular: *A Greater Oyo State.* Let us collectively build a present and future where every young person in Oyo can thrive, and let us prove that when youth lead, communities thrive.
Once again, we celebrate you all.
*Happy International Youth Day 2026.*
Signed,
The State Leadership &All 33 Local Government Coordinators
Nigerian Youth Congress, Oyo State Chapter
