The Youth Party senatorial candidate for Ogun Central in the 2027 general election, Hon. Goke Kuye, has pledged to make youth development, employment and economic empowerment the centrepiece of his legislative agenda if elected.
Kuye made the pledge while speaking with journalists in Abeokuta on Friday, stressing that the growing population of young people across the six local government areas of Ogun Central could become a major economic asset if provided with the right opportunities, skills and support.
The candidate said his proposed representation would focus on vocational and digital skills development, entrepreneurship, access to finance, mentorship and employment opportunities for youths across the senatorial district.
He said, “Our youths are not a burden. They are our greatest resource. What they need is a government and representation that will create opportunities for them to use their talents, acquire relevant skills and become economically independent.”
According to him, youth empowerment should not be limited to the distribution of cash or equipment, but must provide beneficiaries with the skills and resources required to establish and sustain businesses.
Kuye said, “I do not believe that empowerment should be reduced to giving a few people equipment or cash and calling it empowerment. We must build a system where young people can learn a skill, access capital, produce something, find a market and grow their businesses.”
He further promised to advocate policies that would encourage technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, saying the district had the potential to become a major centre for young innovators and entrepreneurs.
Kuye noted that Ogun Central, comprising Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode and Odeda Local Government Areas, was home to youths with diverse talents and capabilities that could contribute significantly to the development of the district.
He said, “I want to see a situation where a young person in Odeda can access the same kind of opportunity as another young person in Abeokuta. A young entrepreneur in Ifo should not have to leave the community before finding support, while our young people in Ewekoro, Obafemi Owode and other parts of the district must also be part of the development process.”
The senatorial candidate also promised to promote stronger collaboration between government agencies, private organisations, educational institutions and community stakeholders to tackle youth unemployment and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Kuye maintained that young people must be given a meaningful role in governance rather than being remembered only during election periods.
“Youths should not be seen only as people who will attend rallies, paste posters or vote during elections. They must be stakeholders in governance. Their ideas, skills and aspirations should influence the policies that affect their future,” he said.
He urged youths across Ogun Central to participate actively in the 2027 electoral process, saying their decisions would be critical to determining the future direction of the district.
