The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Dayo Faduyile OON, has felicitated with young people across Ondo South, Ondo State, and Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day (IYD) celebration.
IYD is observed annually on August 12 to celebrate the contributions of young people and draw attention to issues affecting their lives, development, participation, and future.
In his message marking the day, Faduyile described youths as the strength, energy, creativity, and future of every society, stressing that no nation can achieve sustainable development without meaningfully engaging and empowering its young population.
He said Nigerian youths possess the talent, intelligence, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative capacity required to transform the country.
Faduyile, however, urged governments and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment where young people can acquire relevant skills, access opportunities, participate in governance, and turn their ideas into productive ventures.
According to him, youth empowerment must go beyond political mobilisation and occasional assistance, stressing the need for sustainable investments in education, skills development, technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, creative industries, and leadership development.
“Our young people must not only be regarded as leaders of tomorrow; they are important stakeholders and leaders of today.
“We must create opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of our communities and nation.
“Their voices must be heard, their talents must be nurtured, and their aspirations must be given the necessary support,” Faduyile stated.
The Senator also called on young Nigerians to embrace education, hard work, integrity, innovation, peaceful civic participation, and responsible leadership, urging them to reject violence, drug abuse, criminality, and other activities capable of destroying their future.
He particularly encouraged youths in Ondo South Senatorial District to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agriculture, digital technology, entrepreneurship, creative enterprise, and other productive sectors, assuring them of his continued commitment to issues that advance their welfare and development.
Faduyile further stressed the importance of intergenerational partnership, saying experienced leaders have a responsibility to mentor, support, and open doors of opportunity for the younger generation.
He congratulated Nigerian youths on the occasion and prayed for wisdom, strength, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for them.
“On this International Youth Day, I celebrate the resilience, creativity and aspirations of our young people.
May you continue to rise above challenges, pursue excellence, and become worthy contributors to the growth and prosperity of Ondo State and Nigeria,” he added.