Ondo Youths Must Lead With Skills, Integrity, Says Olabode
As Nigeria marks the 2026 International Youth Day, public affairs commentator Olabode Omoyele has urged Nigerian youths, and Ondo State youths in particular, to position themselves as problem-solvers rather than just sit on the wall if they want real influence in governance and the economy.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the global observance themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” Omoyele said the energy of young people must be channelled into productivity, civic responsibility, and community development.
“Nigerian youths have the numbers, the creativity, and the global exposure. What we need now is direction,” Omoyele said. “For my people in Ondo State, this is the moment to move from complaint to construction.”
While further advising the youth, the Real Estate Magnate noted that degrees alone is not enough.
” Bagging degrees alone will not pay your bills in 2026. Learn a trade, learn tech, learn agribusiness. Ondo has land, cocoa, bitumen, and a coastline. Youths should dominate the value chain, not just look for white collar jobs.”
On integrity in public life, Olabode noted, “If you want to be in politics tomorrow, start with integrity today. Join your students union, join your town union and do the right thing there. Leadership is a habit you build early.”
Omoyele regretted that too much of our story is being told by outsiders. So the youths should use their phone, use social media, document Ondo culture, Ondo innovation, Ondo solutions. “The world is listening if we speak with substance,” he suggested.
He stated with conviction the position of Ondo State on education thus: “Ondo has always been known for education and decorum. Do not trade that for thuggery or division. Disagree, but disagree with ideas, not with violence.”
Omoyele also called on government at federal and state levels to create real pathways for youth participation beyond appointments. “Give them contracts, give them access to funding, give them seats at the planning table. Youth Day should not end with speeches and T-shirts.”
He urged parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders in Ondo to mentor young people and open doors for apprenticeships. “A youth that is productively engaged will not be available to destroy his own community,” Olabode Omoyele emphasized.
As the UN marks International Youth Day worldwide, Omoyele concluded with a charge: “To Nigerian youths: you are not the leaders of tomorrow only. You are stakeholders today. And to Ondo youths: the Southwest is watching you. Lead with brains, with work, and with character.”
International Youth Day is observed every August 12 to highlight the role of young people in shaping sustainable development.
