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Oyo Government Celebrates International Youth Week with Heartfelt Thanksgiving Service

The 2024 International Youth Week has been marked with various activities and celebrations across the globe, and Oyo State was no exception. The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honorable Wasilat Adegoke, led a group of youths to St. Peter’s Church, Aremo, Ibadan, for a special thanksgiving service to commemorate the occasion.

The International Youth Week, observed from August 12th to 18th, aims to promote youth empowerment, development, and unity worldwide. In line with this theme, the Oyo Commissioner for Youth and Sports organized the thanksgiving service to appreciate the blessings and opportunities available to youths in the state.

The service, which drew a large crowd of young people from various backgrounds, was an opportunity for them to come together and express gratitude for their lives, talents, and experiences. The Commissioner, in her address, emphasized the importance of thanksgiving and appreciation in the lives of youths.

“As youths, we often focus on our challenges and difficulties, but it’s essential to take a step back and appreciate the blessings we have received,” Commissioner Adegoke said. “Today, we gather to thank God for our lives, our talents, and our opportunities. We also pray for guidance, wisdom, and strength to become the leaders and change-makers we were created to be.”

The thanksgiving service featured inspiring speeches, songs, and prayers from various youth groups and leaders. The youths also had the opportunity to share their testimonies and experiences, highlighting the impact of the Oyo State Government’s youth development initiatives in their lives.

Honorable Adegoke, was joined by other government officials, youth leaders, and stakeholders in the youth development sector. The event was a testament to the Oyo State Government’s commitment to empowering and celebrating its youths.

As the International Youth Week comes to a close, the Oyo State Government reaffirms its dedication to creating a conducive environment for youth development, empowerment, and growth. The thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Church, Aremo, Ibadan, will remain a memorable experience for the youths, inspiring them to become positive change-makers in their communities and beyond.

The Provost of the Cathedral, Very Rev’d S.K. Olawoyin, delivered a heartfelt charge to the youth, urging them to serve as good instruments of Lord Jesus Christ, striving to embody His teachings, values, and spirit of selfless service, and to remain steadfast in their faith, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of their lives.

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2024 International Youth Week: Team GSM Emerges Victorious Over Team Oyo Influencers

…As Seun Fakorede Scores Winning Goal at Olubadan Stadium

The 2024 International Youth Week came to a thrilling state of the event with a Novelty football match between Team GSM and Team Oyo Influencers at the Olubadan Stadium. The highly anticipated match saw Team GSM emerge victorious, courtesy of a lone goal from Seun Fakorede.

The match, which was part of the International Youth Week celebrations, brought together young people from different backgrounds to promote unity, sportsmanship, and healthy competition. The stadium was filled with excited fans, all cheering on their favorite teams.

Team GSM, led by Seun Fakorede, started strong, dominating the midfield and creating several scoring opportunities. Their efforts paid off in the 20th minutes when Seun Fakorede scored the winning goal, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Team Oyo Influencers pushed hard to equalize, but Team GSM’s defense held strong. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to find the back of the net, leaving Team GSM to claim the win.

In the post match reaction, Seun Fakorede, the hero of the match, expressed his excitement about the win. “I’m thrilled to have scored the winning goal,” he said. “It was a team effort, and I’m proud of my teammates for their hard work and dedication.”

The Manager of Team GSM, Victor Olojede also praised his team’s performance. “We plan hard for this match, and it’s great to see our efforts pay off,” he said. “I’m proud of our young players for their sportsmanship and teamwork.”

The 2024 International Youth Week was a resounding success, with the friendly football match being a highlight of the celebrations. The event promoted unity, sportsmanship, and healthy competition among young people, emphasizing the importance of youth development and empowerment.

The Olubadan Stadium, which hosted the match, was filled with excitement and energy, showcasing the power of sports to bring people together.

Also as part of the celebration, Oyo Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Wasilat Adegoke led a group of enthusiastic youths on a fun-filled boat cruise at Eleyele.The event, which was part of the state government’s efforts to promote youth development and empowerment, brought together young people from across the state to celebrate the International Youth Week.

The boat cruise, which departed from the Eleyele waterfront to across the Lake, was filled with excitement and entertainment as the youths enjoyed music, dancing, and games while cruising along the waterways.

Honourable Wasilat who was in high spirits, expressed his delight at seeing the youths having a great time. “This is what International Youth Week is all about , celebrating the energy, creativity, and potential of our young people,” he said.

“We want to create opportunities for our youths to have fun, learn, and grow together. This boat cruise is just one of the many activities we have planned to make this year’s International Youth Week unforgettable.”

The Commissioner was flanked by top government officials, youth leaders, and representatives from various youth organizations across the state, as Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration rolled out the red carpet for the youth to celebrate the International Youth Week in style.

Comrade Makinde Ogunsina, the Oyo State PDP Youth Leader, spearheaded a delegation of young and enthusiastic party faithful to participate in a thrilling Novelty Match and subsequently, the exciting boat cruise event, which was a highlight of the International Youth Week celebrations, showcasing the party’s unwavering commitment to promoting youth engagement, entertainment, and development through innovative and inclusive initiatives.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Education, rejoiced with a vibrant gathering of young influencers from across the state at the exciting boat cruise event, which was a highlight of the International Youth Week celebrations, as they came together to commemorate this year’s theme and showcase the government’s commitment to empowering and celebrating the youth.

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Oyo Government Fosters Youth Entrepreneurship with Nexus Business Clinic

Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports hosted the 2024 International Youth Week, themed “Youth Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development” at the Western Hall, House of Assembly Complex.

The event, which brought together young people, experts, and stakeholders in the digital innovation space, aimed to promote youth-driven solutions for sustainable development.

“Honorable Wasilat Adegoke, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, delivered a warm welcome address, emphasizing the importance of empowering young people in driving digital innovation for sustainable development. She stressed that young people are the backbone of the country’s future and that their involvement in digital innovation is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals.

Honourable Adegoke highlighted the government’s commitment to providing young people with the necessary skills, resources, and support to harness the power of digital technology and create innovative solutions that address societal challenges. She encouraged the participants to take advantage of the International Youth Week program to learn, network, and share ideas that would propel them to become leaders in digital innovation and sustainable development”.

A representative from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the dangers of narcotics and the compelling reasons why young minds should avoid the use of hard drugs. The officer provided a comprehensive overview of the types of narcotics, their effects on the human brain and body, and the long-term consequences of addiction.

“Dr. Seun Fakorede, Executive Adviser to the Governor, delivered a keynote speech, sharing valuable insights on the critical role of youth in harnessing technology for sustainable development. He emphasized that young people are the driving force behind innovation and that their creativity, energy, and passion can be leveraged to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Dr. Fakorede highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting youth-driven initiatives and encouraging innovation, citing several initiatives already underway to promote digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation among young people. He stressed that the government recognizes the importance of creating an enabling environment for youth to thrive and is working to provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and support to help them succeed.

The keynote speaker also stressed the need for collaboration and partnership between government, private sector, and civil society to harness the power of technology for sustainable development. He encouraged young people to be proactive, take risks, and explore new ideas, assuring them that the government is committed to providing the necessary support to help them achieve their full potential.”

The showcase provided a platform for young innovators to showcase their ideas, products, and services, and receive feedback and guidance from experts and potential investors. The audience was impressed by the depth and breadth of the projects, which demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges facing the community and innovative solutions to address them.

Following the showcase, Olugbenga Ogunbowale, CEO of Grant Master, led a networking break, providing opportunities for participants to connect and collaborate. The session was highly interactive, with participants engaging in meaningful conversations, exchanging ideas, and exploring potential partnerships and various means of accessing grants.

The networking break was a perfect opportunity for young entrepreneurs to connect with industry experts, mentors, and potential investors, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in digital innovation. It also provided a chance for participants to build relationships, share knowledge, and learn from each other’s experiences.”

The ideation challenge brought together teams of young people to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. A panel discussion on “Youth Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development” moderated by Director for Youth Development and Honourable Ademola, representing Mr. Babatunde Ridwan, CEO of Floral Prints Limited, provided a platform for in-depth discussion and exchange of ideas.

The audience was engaged in a questions and answers session, seeking clarification and insights from the panelists. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by a closing ceremony.

The Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to empowering young people to drive digital innovation for sustainable development. We believe that youth are the future, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the necessary support and resources to succeed.

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Oyo State Government to Host Nexus Business Clinic for Young Entrepreneurs

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is set to host the Nexus Business Clinic, a comprehensive business development program designed specifically for young entrepreneurs in the state. The business clinic is one of the highlighted programme to celebrate 2024 International Youth Week in Oyo State

The Nexus Business Clinic aims to provide young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, skills, and resources to scale their businesses and contribute to the economic growth of the state. The program will bring together experts in various fields, including finance, marketing, and management, to share their experiences and provide guidance to the participants.

The Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Honorable Wasilat Adegoke, expressed her excitement about the program, stating that it is part of the government’s efforts to empower young people and promote entrepreneurship in the state. “We believe that young people are the future of our economy, and we want to provide them with the support they need to succeed,” she said.

The Nexus Business Clinic will feature a series of workshops, seminars, and one-on-one mentoring sessions, where participants will learn about business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and access to funding. The program will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among participants.

The event is scheduled to take place today at Western Hall and is open to all young entrepreneurs in Oyo State who has registered via the ministry website.

The Oyo State Government’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs is evident in this initiative, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy. By providing young people with the necessary skills and resources, the government is empowering them to create jobs and drive economic growth.

Key Highlights of the Nexus Business Clinic:

  • Comprehensive business development program for young entrepreneurs
  • Expert-led workshops and seminars on finance, marketing, and management
  • One-on-one mentoring sessions and networking opportunities
  • Open to all young entrepreneurs in Oyo State

Date: 14th August 2024
Venue: Western Hall, House of Assembly Complex
Time: 10am