Ogun West Youths Unite For 2027 Governorship, Insist On Fairness

History was made on Thursday, August 21, 2025, as Ogun West youths gathered in Ilaro for the maiden edition of the Ogun West Youth Summit, a groundbreaking event that charted a collective roadmap toward equity, unity, and political relevance for the senatorial district ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

The summit, themed “Breaking the Circle: Addressing Socio-Cultural Obstacles & Historical Grievances to Achieve Equity for Ogun West”, was convened by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ogun West, under the able leadership of Comrade Kehinde Damilola. The convener was widely commended for creating an enabling platform where youths could frankly engage on age-long socio-political challenges confronting the district and explore solutions.

The event, the first of its kind in Ogun West, attracted scores of youths from all five local government areas of the district—Imeko-Afon, Yewa South, Yewa North, Ipokia, and Ado-Odo/Ota.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Oluseyi Abiodun, Rector of OGITECH, described disunity and lack of cohesion as the greatest obstacles to Ogun West’s development. He called on youths to bridge the Yewa–Awori divide and champion oneness, stressing that the district’s dream of producing the next governor in 2027 is achievable if youths rise above divisive tendencies, particularly the spread of unhealthy rivalries on social media.

A robust panel session followed, featuring Princess Banuso Feyikemi, the first female President of the Association of Awori Intellectuals; Comrade Abimbola Naphew (Secretary, Imeko-Afon LG); Comrade Ayelaagne Abduljabar (Secretary, Yewa South LG); Barrister Oluwapelumi Simon (representing Yewa North LG); and Mr. Mautin Gbenuso (representing Ipokia LG). Discussions focused on strategies to dismantle socio-cultural barriers and strengthen youth participation in politics and governance.

One of the highlights of the summit was the presentation of empowerment tools to about 200 beneficiaries of the just-concluded Ogun West Skill Acquisition Programme. The beneficiaries had received training in Fashion Design, Catering, Digital Skills, Tie & Dye, and household production of items such as air fresheners and liquid soap.

In her goodwill message, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the leadership of NYCN Ogun West for blazing the trail. Represented by Barr. Kamilat Subair, Chairman of the Ogun State Food Crops Marketing Board, she described Ogun West as a district endowed with immense human and natural resources, noting that harnessing these strengths through unity will help realize the Ogun West of everyone’s dreams.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Ogun State NYCN Chairman, Oloye Soremi Akolawole, the Ogun 1 Area Commander of the Nigeria Customs Service, and several community leaders.