By Taiwo Ajayi
Founder, Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN) and Director of Youth Advocacy & Policy, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)
The Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN) has commended the administration of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for implementing what it described as a transformative and institutional approach to youth empowerment, economic inclusion and sustainable development.
The organisation made the commendation following an assessment of the administration’s youth-focused policies and programmes, which it said have repositioned youth development from political rhetoric to measurable economic outcomes.
According to CJAN, Governor Oyebanji’s administration has demonstrated a clear understanding of the role of young people in driving economic growth by investing in initiatives that promote employability, entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture and leadership development.
The network noted that one of the administration’s landmark achievements was the restructuring of youth governance through the separation of sports administration from youth development, allowing the Ministry of Youth Development to focus exclusively on youth-centred policies and programmes.
Youth Governance Reform Gains Recognition
CJAN stated that the establishment of the Youth Resource and Job Centre has created opportunities for young graduates and job seekers to access internships, mentorship programmes, career guidance and employment opportunities.
The organisation argued that the reform has helped strengthen the state’s youth development architecture by creating a dedicated framework for addressing unemployment and career-transition challenges among young people.
According to the group, the move reflects a deliberate shift from symbolic engagement to practical youth-focused governance.
BAO Digital Academy Expands Opportunities for Young People
The advocacy network further highlighted the impact of the administration’s investment in the digital economy through the BAO Digital Academy, a fully sponsored technology training programme designed to equip young people with globally relevant digital skills.
Participants have reportedly received training in cybersecurity, data science, UI/UX design, web development, digital marketing and content strategy across the state’s 16 local government areas.
To further support participants and remove barriers to entry into the digital economy, the state government distributed 1,000 laptops to outstanding graduates of the programme.
CJAN described the intervention as a practical strategy for creating a digitally empowered workforce capable of competing in the global knowledge economy.
The organisation noted that access to digital skills remains one of the strongest pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for Nigerian youths in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Agriculture Programme Attracts Over 5,000 Youths
In the agricultural sector, the advocacy group praised the “Bring Back Youth in Agriculture” initiative, describing it as one of the most impactful youth-focused agricultural programmes in Nigeria.
The programme has reportedly attracted over 5,000 young people into commercial farming through cluster farming arrangements supported by land-clearing services, mechanisation and government-backed infrastructure.
The network noted that participating youths have benefited from modern dormitory accommodation at major farm settlements, including Oke Ako, while enjoying access to tractorisation and other support services.
According to available records, participants in the programme have received approximately ₦1.4 billion in profit-sharing payouts, demonstrating the viability of agriculture as a profitable enterprise for young Nigerians.
CJAN said the initiative has helped change perceptions about farming by positioning agriculture as a business venture capable of generating sustainable income and employment opportunities.
Supa Artisan Programme Strengthens SMEs
The organisation also applauded the implementation of the Supa Artisan Programme in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), which has retrained and certified more than 2,000 artisans across various vocational trades.
According to CJAN, partnerships with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and financial institutions, including Wema Bank, have further expanded access to entrepreneurship training, financial literacy and business development support for more than 5,000 young entrepreneurs.
The network said these interventions are helping small business owners improve productivity, enhance service delivery and expand their enterprises.
CJAN Applauds ₦29 Million Subvention for Youth Groups
The advocacy organisation also praised the administration’s decision to provide ₦29 million in subventions to student associations, youth organisations and community-based groups.
According to CJAN, strategic investments in youth organisations help strengthen grassroots leadership, promote civic participation and reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities among young people.
The group described the intervention as evidence of the government’s confidence in youth-led institutions and its commitment to nurturing future leaders.
Oyebanji Setting a New Standard for Youth Development – Ajayi
Speaking on the broader impact of the administration’s policies, Founder of the Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN) and Director of Youth Advocacy and Policy, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Taiwo Ajayi, said Ekiti State is gradually establishing a governance model that prioritises long-term empowerment over short-term political patronage.
“What we are witnessing in Ekiti goes beyond the superficial ‘youth-friendly’ label. The administration is building institutional frameworks capable of converting youthful potential into measurable economic productivity and sustainable prosperity.
“Through initiatives such as the BAO Digital Academy, youth-focused agricultural programmes, artisan development schemes and direct support for youth organisations, the government has demonstrated that youth empowerment can be achieved through strategic planning, institutional reforms and targeted investments.
“These interventions are creating pathways for economic growth, leadership development and wealth creation, while providing practical solutions to youth unemployment and graduate transition challenges.”
Ajayi added that the Ekiti model offers valuable lessons for other states seeking to unlock the potential of young people and accelerate inclusive economic development.
CJAN concluded that the combination of digital skills development, agricultural modernisation, entrepreneurship support and institutional funding has created a blueprint that could significantly improve youth outcomes across Nigeria if replicated at scale.
The organisation maintained that sustainable youth development requires more than political promises, stressing that targeted investments, institutional reforms and strategic partnerships remain the key ingredients for building a prosperous future for young Nigerians.