Osun Candidate Plans Youth Jobs in Sports and Creative Arts

When Bola Oyebamiji sat down with students, artisans, and young professionals in Osogbo, Nigeria, he didn't just make promises. He outlined a specific plan to turn the state's creative and sports sectors into engines for youth employment.

The All Progressives Congress candidate for Osun State governor hosted an interactive session at the Adolak Event Centre where young people from across different sectors could directly question his vision. Instead of a typical campaign rally, the event was designed as an open conversation about the future.

Oyebamiji's PROSPERITY Agenda focuses heavily on youth inclusion, with young people actually helping shape the manifesto itself. The plan targets education improvements, skills development, small business support, and talent cultivation in creative fields.

His sports vision extends beyond local boundaries. Oyebamiji has been holding consultations about creating a strong sports club across Nigeria's Southwest region, where governors could collaborate to build sporting excellence and the jobs that come with it.

The candidate has visited all 30 local government areas in Osun State three times, listening to what residents need most. That groundwork gave him direct insight into youth expectations, particularly around employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The Ripple Effect

The focus on creative and sports industries could address a critical gap in Osun State. According to event organizers, the current administration has neglected sports infrastructure, leaving the state without even a proper football pitch for local leagues.

This neglect has real consequences beyond recreation. When young people lack productive outlets and economic opportunities, communities lose their vibrancy and potential.

Dr. Lekan Olatunji, who helped develop the PROSPERITY Agenda, emphasized that youth weren't afterthoughts in the planning process. The manifesto includes specific initiatives for technology access, agricultural opportunities, and wealth creation programs designed with young entrepreneurs in mind.

The interactive session drew participants from civil society organizations, professional groups, student unions, and community clusters. They engaged directly with policy proposals rather than just hearing campaign speeches.

Youth directorate chairman Ayodele Asalu stressed that young people need to be active participants in governance year-round, not just mobilized during election season. The gathering represented a step toward that sustained engagement.

Osun State's election is scheduled for August 15, giving voters a chance to decide whether this youth-centered approach will become reality.