A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun West Senatorial District, Dr. Peter Ogundeji, has called on Nigerian youths to take a more active role in politics, saying their participation is essential to national development.
He made the call on Monday during a colloquium and book launch in Osogbo held in honour of his birthday. Ogundeji argued that increased youth involvement in politics would help strengthen democratic values and bring new ideas into governance.
He also urged young people not to withdraw from politics, noting that the country’s technological progress gives them a natural advantage in leadership.
According to him, “When young people participate in governance, they inject fresh ideas, challenge outdated assumptions, and offer solutions driven by innovation. They are uniquely positioned to tackle challenges such as unemployment and corruption, which weaken our institutions.
“Around the world, youth-led governance models have strengthened education, healthcare, infrastructure, and digital economies. Development without youth is like attempting to build a house without a foundation; it simply cannot stand.”
He added, “Youths must aspire for political leadership positions, and technology has given them an edge. The responsibility lies on us to ask for a leadership position, with the digital age that we are in now, the innovation that comes with it, the youth have an edge.”
Ogundeji encouraged young Nigerians to put their digital skills to use and aim for leadership roles, stressing that they are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to governance.
He noted that Nigeria, with a population of more than 230 million and a median age of 18.1 years, has 58 percent of its citizens under 25, yet youths remain underrepresented in key decision-making spaces. He pointed out that youth candidacy in the 2023 general elections was below 10 percent despite their large numbers.
He attributed the gap to financial barriers, structural challenges, age restrictions, and political gatekeeping, calling for reforms that allow more young leaders to emerge. Ogundeji emphasized that meaningful development requires youth inclusion, describing progress without them as building “a house without a foundation.”
Ogundeji also highlighted his work through APATA Cares, saying the foundation has shown that digital training, empowerment programmes, and apprenticeships can help young people avoid idleness and social vices.
The colloquium, themed “Youth Involvement in Politics: A Panacea for Development,” featured discussions on the need for greater youth participation in governance. Speakers including Dr. Harrison Idowu of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, and Comrade Moses Oyegbemi stressed the importance of mentorship and leadership training to prepare young people for public service. They noted that the future belongs to the youth and that they must be equipped to shape it.
The father of the day, former Secretary to the Government of the old Oyo State during the Second Republic, Chief Suhaeeb Oyedokun, praised God for Dr. Ogundeji’s life and said his achievements serve as an example for young Nigerians.
In his keynote address, Professor Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun urged political leaders to build integrity and earn the trust of young citizens. He also called for mentorship structures that support youths interested in developmental politics.
Osun State APC Chairman, Hon. Sooko Tajudeen Lawal Olaniyi—represented by Hon. Remi Omolaoye—described Ogundeji as a selfless politician and philanthropist whose impact extends beyond Osun West Senatorial District. He urged party members to avoid internal conflict and support whoever becomes the APC candidate for the 2026 governorship election.
The book was launched by the Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture, Hon. Abiodun Yinusa, represented by Engr. Hakeem Olugbode, who commended Ogundeji for his service to humanity and reminded attendees that leadership is determined by impact, not age.
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