Kwara Marks International Youth Day

 ... Celebrates Youth Potential, Shared Aspirations

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‎Kwara State on Wednesday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, with the State Government reaffirming its commitment to creating more opportunities for young people through innovation, entrepreneurship, skills development, agriculture, sports and employment.

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‎The grand finale of the celebration which held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, brought together youths from across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, government officials, youth organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to celebrate the contributions, aspirations and potential of young Kwarans.

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‎The celebration, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” underscored the shared aspirations of young people across different backgrounds and communities for dignity, education, meaningful opportunities, decent livelihoods and a sustainable future.

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In his speech, the executive Governor of the state and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON reaffirmed the present administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, stressing that young people are not only leaders of tomorrow but active partners in the development of Kwara today.

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‎The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Saba Jibril, urged young Kwarans to take advantage of available opportunities, embrace technology, acquire relevant skills and remain committed to self-development. 

He also assured that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for youths to transform their ideas and talents into sustainable livelihoods.

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‎Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Amb. Ndanusa Usman Shehu, said the theme aptly captured the realities of young people across the state, noting that although their circumstances may differ, their aspirations for opportunities, meaningful livelihoods and a better future remain the same.

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‎He urged young people to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of government interventions but as active partners in the development of the state, while calling for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, development partners and youth organisations.

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‎The grand finale featured goodwill messages from distinguished personalities and stakeholders, cultural performances by the NYSC Cultural Troupe, Mangani dancers and the Ilorin Geri Alimi Elite Progressive Union, as well as the presentation of awards to individuals, business owners and industrialists who have contributed to youth development in Kwara.

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‎The celebration also featured a panel discussion on youth participation in agriculture, with young farmers, largely drawn from the Youth Farmers in Nigeria network, sharing their experiences, challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector. 

The session provided an avenue for young people to hear directly from their peers who are already making a living from agriculture, while highlighting the potential of farming as a viable pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

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‎The discussion further reinforced the call for young Kwarans to explore opportunities in agriculture and other emerging sectors, while encouraging greater access to finance, modern technology, market opportunities and capacity-building for young farmers.

The event also had a health component, with HIV and Hepatitis B and C screening conducted for participants, facilitated by APIN and NEPWHAN in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development. Condoms and lubricants were also distributed as part of the preventive health intervention.

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‎However, the grand finale was only the culmination of a week-long programme of activities organised by the Ministry of Youth Development to build momentum ahead of the celebration.

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‎The activities began on Friday, August 7, with a special Jumat prayer at the Ilorin Central Mosque, led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki, where prayers were offered for the success of the celebration and the progress of young people in the state.

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‎This was followed on Saturday by a novelty football match between the NYSC Football Team and the Kwara State Selected Youth Team at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, Kwara State Polytechnic, which ended 1–0 in favour of the Kwara team. The match was organised to strengthen unity and collaboration among youth groups and deepen synergy between the Ministry and the NYSC.

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‎A Thanksgiving Service followed on Sunday at the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ilorin, while Monday and Tuesday featured radio programmes through which the Ministry engaged the public, highlighted opportunities available to youths and created awareness ahead of the grand finale.

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‎With the week-long activities culminating in a colourful gathering at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, the 2026 International Youth Day celebration in Kwara ultimately served not just as a celebration of young people, but as a reminder that their different backgrounds may shape their experiences, but their aspirations for a better and more prosperous future remain common.

Dignitries present include, the representative of the Kwara State First Lady who is also the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade; representative of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Rukayat Shittu; Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bololanle Olukoju; Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Olorontoyosi Thomas; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam; the NYSC State Coordinator Mr Musa Kafard; .the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Ministry of Youth Development, Hajia Okanla Kuburat Atinuke.

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‎Also present were representatives of various security agencies, as well as the Igbomina Youths Assembly, under the leadership of its President, Mr. Oyinloye Oluwasogo Kehinde, among other dignitaries and youth stakeholders.

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‎Oluwafemi Samuel Adeoye 

‎Press Secretary 

‎Ministry of Youth Development