The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has pledged to collaborate with a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) to promote youth development and ensure greater accountability in the implementation of youth-focused policies through the proposed Osun Youth Development Charter (2026–2030).
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by representatives of youth-focused civil society organisations to the NUJ Secretariat in Osogbo, where both parties discussed strategies to amplify issues affecting young people ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
A statement by the Osun NUJ Secretary, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju, said the coalition explained that the Youth Development Charter is a non-partisan, youth-driven policy document designed to capture the aspirations, priorities and recommendations of young people across Osun State.
The document, they said, would serve as a roadmap for youth development and a framework for engaging governorship candidates as well as the eventual winner of the election.
Speaking during the visit, the Team Lead of SEAD Africa Initiative, Mr. Semiu Adabanija, stressed the need for a tracking mechanism to monitor government performance on youth development programmes across all sectors.
Adabanija sought the collaboration of the NUJ in amplifying positive government initiatives while also drawing attention to shortcomings in youth development, describing the media as a critical partner in promoting civic engagement and inclusive development.
He outlined activities lined up for the charter, including the deployment of an online survey, a stakeholders’ roundtable on August 6 to validate research findings on the realities facing Osun youths, and a press conference to unveil the priorities identified by young people.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ, Osun State Council, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, commended the coalition for championing youth development and described the initiative as timely.
Aboderin noted that young people have significant roles to play in the growth and development of society, especially with the large number of youths who have registered to vote ahead of the governorship election.
He urged youths to recognise their potential and resist attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of political violence or agents of social instability.
The NUJ chairman assured the coalition of the council’s support, pledging that journalists in the state would continue to promote initiatives that advance youth development and democratic accountability.
The delegation comprised representatives of several civil society organisations, including SEAD Africa Initiative, Relfond, VARCE, FODITE, One House Development Initiative, and Broad Focus.
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