IYD: Government urged to empower youths, persons with disabilities
Ogun State Leaders Urged to Enhance Support for Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Abeokuta, Ogun State — The Ogun State government, along with relevant stakeholders, has been called upon to intensify efforts in supporting youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and initiatives targeting persons with disabilities (PWD).
This appeal was made during a ceremony on Wednesday commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day, which carried the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspiration.” The sub-theme focused on “Empowering Youths, Women, and Persons With Disabilities Through Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Inclusive Economic Opportunities.”
International Youth Day is recognized globally on August 12 each year to raise awareness about issues affecting young people, promote development, and emphasize their role as agents of change.
Dr. Odumusi Emmanuel, Chief Executive Officer of Edfrica, underscored the necessity for enhanced collaboration among government entities, private organizations, and development partners to generate opportunities for youth and individuals with disabilities.
“Persons with disabilities must be included in development initiatives because without them, the world will not be complete,” Emmanuel said. He acknowledged that while there are existing government policies and funding opportunities, challenges in implementation and inadequate support often hinder their effectiveness.
He encouraged young individuals to remain committed despite economic adversities, sharing insights from his own life experiences. “Every youth should see the vision and do all the work despite the issues, hunger, and stress they might face. Do your best to invest in your life and in your future,” he added.
Representing the participants, civil servant Temitope Ajao and Grace Animasaun expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for organizing the event. They urged the state government to pay more attention to including persons with disabilities in policy-making and development initiatives.
They highlighted the importance of effectively implementing disability laws and policies to improve the welfare and protect the rights of PWDs, particularly women. Greater inclusion, they argued, would enhance the opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in their communities and contribute to their own welfare.
