The Oyo State Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, FCA, has congratulated youths across Oyo State and Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day.
Adegoke, who made the call in a statement issued to mark the celebration, said this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” aptly captures the realities and shared dreams of young people across different communities and backgrounds.
He noted that while youths differ in their circumstances and professions, their aspirations remain largely the same, including access to quality education, decent employment, economic opportunities, security, dignity and a fair chance to fulfil their potential.
According to him, the common aspirations of young people should compel leaders and stakeholders to create an enabling environment where background, location or economic circumstances do not constitute permanent barriers to success.
“Whether you are a young farmer in Ibarapa, an artisan in Ogbomoso, a student in Ibadan, an entrepreneur in Oke-Ogun or an innovator anywhere across Oyo State, your dreams matter. Our contexts may be different, but the aspiration for a better life unites us,” he said.
The ADC governorship candidate also urged youths not to allow their present circumstances to determine the limits of their future.
He encouraged them to acquire relevant skills, embrace technology, pursue legitimate opportunities and make productive use of their talents.
“There is hope. Discover your potential, develop it and deploy it. The distance between where you are today and where you aspire to be can be bridged by opportunity, preparation, resilience and purposeful leadership,” Adegoke stated.
The SOLUTIONS 2027 governorship candidate reaffirmed his commitment to a future in which young people in Oyo State would not merely be promised opportunities but empowered to create, innovate, work and prosper.
He said the development of the state must place youth empowerment, innovation and economic inclusion at the centre of its agenda.
Adegoke further described the International Youth Day celebration as an opportunity to recognise the strength, creativity and potential of young people while renewing the call for policies that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.
He wished youths across Oyo State and Nigeria a happy International Youth Day 2026, emphasising the message: “Different contexts. Common aspirations. One future of limitless possibilities.”
