Ogun Urged to Empower Youths, PWDs

"Persons with disabilities must be deliberately included in development initiatives, noting that “without them, the world will not be complete.”

The Ogun State Government and other stakeholders have been urged to strengthen programmes aimed at empowering youths and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) through entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive economic opportunities.

The call was made in Abeokuta on Wednesday during the 2026 International Youth Day, observed globally on August 12. The event was themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspiration,” with the sub-theme, “Empowering Youths, Women and Persons With Disabilities Through Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Inclusive Economic Opportunities.”

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Edfrica, Dr Odumusi Emmanuel, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, private organisations and development partners to create sustainable opportunities for youths and PWDs.

Emmanuel said persons with disabilities must be deliberately included in development initiatives, noting that “without them, the world will not be complete.”

He observed that although government policies and funding opportunities exist, poor implementation and inadequate support often limit their impact.

The Edfrica CEO also urged young Nigerians to remain focused and committed despite prevailing economic challenges, drawing from his personal experience to encourage them to invest in their future.

“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 said.

Representing the participants, a civil servant, Temitope Ajao, and Grace Animasaun appreciated the organisers for convening the programme and appealed to the Ogun State Government to give greater attention to PWDs by ensuring their inclusion in government policies, programmes and development initiatives.

They also called for effective implementation of disability laws and policies to improve the welfare and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly women.

According to them, greater inclusion would provide PWDs with more opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities, achieve economic independence and improve their quality of life.