Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to priotising youth affairs at the centre of its development planning as it joined the global community to mark the 2026 World Population Day.
The event, which took place at the hall of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA building, Ijeun Lukosi, Abeokuta was in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Planning, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ogun State Bureau of Statistics (OGSBS) and National Population Commission.
Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, said that the 2026 edition’s theme, "Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People Today and for the Future," spoke directly to the heart of sustainable development and that of the State.
Olabimtan, highlighted that the World Population Day was a reminder that population was not just about numbers but about people's rights, choices, opportunities, well-being and dignity.
He called for collective action from government, private sectors and communities to ensure that the hopes of the youths were realised today and for the future.
In her opening remarks, the Statistician General, Ogun State Bureau of Statistics, Mrs. Omolara Adebayo, explained that the symposium was designed to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue between policy makers, development partners, professionals and young people.
She added that the symposium was aimed at broadening participants' understanding of population dynamics, emphasising the importance of evidence-based planning, encouraging responsible life choices and inspiring youths to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.
She advised the students who were present at the symposium to listen attentively, ask questions, participate actively in the discussions and make the most of the opportunities the programme presented.
‘’ The knowledge and inspiration you gain today may shape the decisions you make tomorrow and influence the future you aspire to build," she stated.
In his submission, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Hon. Babatunde Delu, represented by Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Akolawole Soremi, described the theme as both timely and thought-provoking.
He stated that Ogun State regarded its youthful population as one of its greatest assets, adding that when young people were included in policymaking and given access to quality education, the sky would surely become their starting point.
In his goodwill message, State Officer, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Mr. Olumide Akingbogun, emphasised that the NBS was committed to providing timely, reliable and disaggregated data that would support planning at all levels of government and aid partners like UNFPA to answer critical questions.
"We must prioritise inclusivity by leaving no one behind especially women, youths, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups," he urged.
A participant from National Youth Council of Nigeria, Oladipupo Ademola and a student from DS Adegbenro Polytechnic, Itori, Azeez Zainab, appreciated the State Government for carrying the youth along in their policy making, adding that the training had opened their minds to lots of opportunities.
Funmilayo Abisola,
Information and Public Relations Officer, Bureau of Statistics
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