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S/West youth parliament hails Tinubu, urges Govs to tackle insecurity, wants more youth in governance
The Southwest Youth Parliament (SWYP) has issued a strong call for greater government action on key regional concerns including insecurity, climate change, and youth involvement in governance.
This was the thrust of a press conference held at the end of SWYP’s 2nd plenary sitting at the Ogun State House of Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Addressing the media, the Speaker of the Parliament, Rt. Hon. Temitope Joseph, lauded the Southwest Governors and Assembly Speakers for their efforts in safeguarding the lives and property of residents through the creation of the Amotekun Corps, the regional security network.
However, he noted that insecurity remains a grave concern across the region.
“We urge the government to go beyond the commendable formation of Amotekun and take concrete steps to address the root causes of insecurity,” he said.
“This includes improved policing, deeper community engagement, and strengthening collaboration between Amotekun and other national security agencies.”
On climate change, the Parliament acknowledged the region’s vulnerability to rising temperatures, flooding, and other extreme weather patterns.
“The youth body appealed to the governments of the Southwest states to intensify climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
“We ask for greater investment in renewable energy, promotion of sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and environmental protection,” the statement read.
“Communities already affected by climate-related events must receive prompt support.”
The Youth Parliament also took time to appreciate the efforts of the Southwest Governors and Commissioners for Youth for their various empowerment programmes.
According to Hon. Joseph, such initiatives have shaped the future of many young people in the region.
He specially commended the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, for his dynamic leadership and the “One Youth, Two Skills” campaign, describing it as a laudable step towards equipping Nigerian youth with entrepreneurial and vocational competencies.
“His innovative ideas and collaborative approach have inspired hope and progress,” he noted.
In a passionate plea, the Parliament called for increased youth representation in governance.
“With youths making up about 70 to 80 percent of our population, it is imperative that more young people be appointed into strategic positions in government,” said Joseph.
The Parliament also extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for establishing the Southwest Development Commission, noting his strides in improving Nigeria’s economy, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“We urge the president to urgently address the insecurity plaguing parts of the country and to rehabilitate the deteriorating federal road networks in the Southwest, which are fast becoming death traps,” the statement added.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly for his support in hosting the plenary session and praised the Conference of Southwest Speakers for their continued efforts in youth-inclusive policymaking.
The Parliament also paid tribute to Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, for his consistent support since the inception of SWYP.
“In conclusion, we believe that addressing the region’s challenges requires a united front from government, civil society, and the private sector,” Joseph stated.
“Together, we can build a secure, sustainable, and prosperous Southwest, he stated.
