The Chairman, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has urged youths in the state to dream big, acquire relevant skills and take active responsibility for shaping the future of Oyo State.

Falana made the call in his message to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, observed on Wednesday, August 12.

The message, made available to journalists by the Head of the Media Unit to the Chairman, Opeyemi Rasheed , urged young people to remain optimistic, purposeful and committed to personal development despite the challenges confronting them.

He said the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity and resilience of young people, while reminding them of their responsibilities as active participants in societal development.

Falana said youths in Oyo State possessed the talent and capacity to contribute significantly to the economic and social development of the state, urging them to transform their potential into productive ventures and meaningful community impact.

He urged young people to remain focused on their aspirations, stressing that present difficulties should not determine their future.

According to him, youths must continuously invest in education, vocational training, digital literacy, technology, entrepreneurship and other forms of personal development to remain relevant in the changing global economy.

He charged them to acquire skills that would enable them to take advantage of emerging opportunities created by artificial intelligence and other technologies.

Falana also challenged youths to turn their talents into sustainable opportunities, noting that entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, entertainers, professionals, creatives, innovators and technology enthusiasts all had valuable roles to play in the development of the state.

He said, “The road may not always be easy, but never give up on yourself or the future of Oyo State. Let us dream together, learn together, work together and build together.”

The chairman also called on youths to promote peace, unity and responsible citizenship, urging them to reject violence, hatred, intolerance and other divisive tendencies.

He said the strength of Oyo youths lay in their ability to work together despite differences in background, beliefs and opinions, adding that responsible young citizens had important roles to play in protecting public values and promoting development in their communities.

Falana congratulated youths across Oyo State on the occasion of International Youth Day, urging them to embrace available opportunities, remain purposeful and contribute positively to the growth and prosperity of the state. (The Guardian)