The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has called for a transformative mindset among Nigerian youth to unlock their potential as agents of national development.
Delivering a lecture titled “Pathway to Positivity: The Nigerian Youth I Would Like to See!” at the maiden edition of the Ido Youth Summit, the lawmaker emphasised the critical role of young people in driving Nigeria’s progress.
The two-day summit, organised by the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF) Youth Chapter, featured free medical services, a “Say No to Drugs” awareness walk, and a motivational lecture aimed at empowering youth to shape their future positively.
Speaking to an audience of stakeholders, community leaders, and youth at the weekend in Ibadan, Oseni described Nigerian youth as the nation’s greatest asset. He noted that over 60% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 25, a demographic capable of fostering innovation, economic growth, and social change.
“The solutions to our greatest challenges lie in the creativity and determination of our youth,” he said while addressing challenges such as unemployment, inadequate education, and mental health struggles. Oseni also referenced research showing that 40% of Nigerian youth are unemployed, with 25% battling stress and anxiety—issues often linked to crime and migration.
Drawing from his journey, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) shared how he rose from humble beginnings in Odujobi–Akufo village, in the council area to becoming a successful engineer, entrepreneur, and legislator. He recounted how he started a billion-naira engineering company with ₦60,000.
“My story demonstrates that no obstacle is insurmountable when you believe in yourself and persevere with vision and integrity,” he stated, urging the youth to adopt hard work and resilience in their pursuits.
The lawmaker further identified key traits of the ideal Nigerian youth, including resilience, educational empowerment, inclusivity, an entrepreneurial spirit, visionary leadership, and social responsibility. He stressed the importance of education, technology, and entrepreneurship in shaping the future, calling on the youth to redefine Nigeria’s narrative through positivity and innovation.
As a highlight of the summit, Oseni launched the ROCOF Royal Ambassadors (RRA) initiative, a programme designed to celebrate exceptional young achievers in academics, innovation, entrepreneurship, and governance. He explained that the RRA initiative would create a “Hall of Fame” to inspire and empower outstanding youth.
“The RRA programme is more than recognition; it’s a call to action for all youth to aspire to excellence and lead by example,” he noted.
The lawmaker urged Nigerian youth to rise above challenges with ambition and resilience, calling on the government, private sector, and community leaders to support initiatives that promote education reform, mentorship programmes, and entrepreneurship funding.
“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Together, let us nurture a generation that redefines Nigeria’s future,” Oseni added.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers of the Ido Youth Summit, Akinola Olumide, who lauded the lawmaker for his quality representation, emphasized the importance of the summit as a platform for deliberating on the way forward for youth development.
He stressed that the youth are now more committed to upholding the values of innovation, integrity, and inclusivity within their communities, marking the beginning of a new era of empowerment and progressive transformation.
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