PRESS STATEMENT
NIGERIA AT 66: NIGERIA YOUTH CONGRESS, OYO STATE CHAPTER, CALLS FOR RENEWED PATRIOTISM, UNITY AND YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN NATION BUILDING
Ibadan, Oyo State.
1 October 2026
As Nigeria commemorates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the Nigeria Youth Congress, Oyo State Chapter, extends warm felicitations to the people of Oyo State and Nigerians across the country.
This anniversary provides an important opportunity for reflection on our journey as a nation, the sacrifices of our founding fathers, the resilience of our people, and the responsibility of the present generation to contribute meaningfully to the development and stability of Nigeria.
As young Nigerians, we recognise that the future of our country is inseparably connected to the quality of leadership, citizenship and civic participation that we demonstrate today.
Nigerian youths must therefore move beyond being regarded merely as beneficiaries of national development and become active participants in shaping the nation’s economic, political and social future.
The Nigeria Youth Congress, Oyo State Chapter, calls for greater investment in youth education, skills development, entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, digital innovation, sports and meaningful civic participation. These areas are essential to harnessing the creativity, energy and potential of Nigeria’s young population.
We also call on young Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance, responsible citizenship and respect for the rule of law. Political differences should never become reasons for violence, division or destruction. Our diversity should remain a source of strength rather than a basis for conflict.
The Congress particularly encourages youths in Oyo State to participate constructively in community development, democratic processes and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and security of our communities. We must reject criminality, drug abuse, cultism, electoral violence and other activities capable of undermining the future of our generation.
We acknowledge the economic and social difficulties confronting many Nigerians. Nevertheless, Independence Day should remind us that nation-building is a continuous responsibility. Government, civil society, traditional institutions, the private sector and, importantly, young Nigerians all have roles to play in building a more prosperous, peaceful and inclusive Nigeria.
The Nigeria Youth Congress, Oyo State Chapter, therefore reaffirms its commitment to youth empowerment, peaceful civic engagement, national unity, good governance and sustainable development.
On this Independence Day, we urge Nigerian youths to believe in the possibilities of our country, acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the future, hold public institutions accountable through lawful democratic means, and contribute positively to their communities.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, and its future is a shared responsibility.
We wish Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and meaningful 66th Independence Anniversary.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Long live Oyo State.
Long live the Nigeria Youth Congress.
Signed:
Adekola Animasaun FCSM
State Secretary
Nigerian Youth Congress, Oyo State Chapter.
