In what may signal a turning point in youth engagement within the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, the All Progressives Congress Youth League on Monday raised concerns over marginalization and lack of empowerment during a meeting with the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka.
The meeting, held on January 5, 2026, at the commissioner’s office, provided a platform for APCYL leaders to openly express frustrations over years of neglect, while pressing for greater youth inclusion in governance and party structures.
Opening the discussion, the APCYL State Coordinator, Comrade Fayomi Yunus Gateway, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the role of young people in the party, stressing that youths remained the driving force behind mobilisation and electoral success.
“We are here to discuss youth inclusion, growth and participation in governance and party activities,” Fayomi said, as he commended the commissioner for granting the audience and for his support to youth-related initiatives.
In his remarks, Isiaka described youths as the backbone of the party and the engine room of governance, noting that no political organisation could survive without deliberate investment in young people.
“The strength and future of the party depend largely on youth participation,” the commissioner said, urging APCYL members to speak freely and offer constructive suggestions.
Several youth leaders, however, lamented what they described as prolonged neglect of the league. Comrade Alarape Olukayode said APCYL had lost its relevance over the years due to lack of institutional backing, expressing hope that the present administration would revive the league.
The call for empowerment featured prominently in the discussions. Mr Matthew Onamade said youths were ready to contribute meaningfully if given opportunities through employment and political appointments, arguing that such steps would enhance productivity and loyalty to the party.
Former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun from Ogun East, Mr Tunde Odebata, assured the commissioner of APCYL’s loyalty, but warned that continued neglect of youths could threaten the party’s long-term stability.
“Encouragement and empowerment are critical. Ignoring the youths today may create bigger problems tomorrow,” Odebata said.
Echoing similar concerns, Comrade Fadekemi called for increased youth appointments, particularly at the local government level, noting that many grassroots youth leaders were poorly motivated.
The Director of Action and Mobilisation, Saka Omowe, recalled that APCYL was once a vibrant force within the party but declined due to years of neglect, expressing optimism that the current engagement would mark a new beginning.
Responding, Isiaka acknowledged the gaps in youth representation and apologised for past shortcomings. He explained that governance was a gradual process and assured the youth leaders that the administration was committed to addressing their concerns.
“This meeting is the beginning of a renewed relationship,” the commissioner said, promising sustained engagement with the youth league.
He further urged APCYL members to adopt effective lobbying and follow-up strategies, while charging them to continue defending the government and projecting the party positively at all levels.
The meeting ended with closing remarks by Mr Oyegunle Omowale, who thanked the commissioner for the opportunity to engage, expressing optimism that the dialogue would translate into concrete action.