A coalition of youth-focused civil society organisations in Osun State has called for the creation of at least 100,000 quality direct jobs for young people within the next four years, alongside improved education, digital infrastructure and greater youth participation in governance.
The coalition made the demands on Wednesday at a press conference held at the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Osogbo, where it unveiled the Osun Youth Development Charter 2026–2030.
The charter is an evidence-based framework outlining the priorities and aspirations of young people across the state and is intended to serve as a non-partisan guide for the incoming administration.
The initiative is convened by a coalition of 10 civil society organisations working on youth development, with about 38 youth-focused organisations collaborating on the charter.
Speaking at the press conference, the Team Lead of SEAD Africa Initiative, Semiu Abidemi Adabaneja, said the coalition was established to give young people a stronger voice in shaping policies that affect their future.
“On behalf of the Coalition of NGOs on Youth Development in Osun, we are glad to be here for the press conference on the Osun Youth Development Charter, 2026–2030,” Adabaneja said.
He added, “The coalition consists of 10 civil society organisations. They are the convenors of the Osun Youth Development Charter, but we are working in total with about 38 youth-focused organisations.”
According to the coalition, the charter was developed through consultations involving more than 50 youth leaders, 38 youth-focused organisations and over 400 young people who participated in an online survey.
The coalition said the top priority identified by young people was the creation of at least 100,000 quality direct jobs within four years, stressing that employment opportunities would also stimulate indirect jobs and economic activities across the state.
Other priorities identified include the development of the digital economy, functional education, peace and security, and the inclusion of young people, women and persons with disabilities in governance.
The charter is structured around key areas including jobs and SME development, digital economy, education and skills development, peace and security, health and wellbeing, agribusiness, green economy and inclusive governance.
Adabaneja, who described SEAD Africa Initiative as an organisation focused on youth development, training and connecting young people to jobs and opportunities, said the coalition also works in the areas of good governance and civic engagement.
He said, “We also lead advocacy projects that have to do with good governance, and we work with other organisations in different areas of civic engagement.”
The coalition said the charter was a product of consultations with students, entrepreneurs, artisans, professionals, youth groups and leaders across Osun State.
It was also disclosed that the online platform, osunyouthcharter.org, would remain active to enable more young people to contribute their views, track progress on youth development and receive updates on implementation.
The coalition said it would present the charter to the eventual winner of the August 15 governorship election and engage with all arms of government through its Youth Accountability Network.
It also pledged to publish an annual Osun Youth Development Report to monitor government performance on youth-related issues over the next four years.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Adabaneja noted that the unveiling coincided with International Youth Day.
“Today is International Youth Day, and it gives us pleasure to be able to celebrate with youth across the world on this August occasion,” he said.
On the forthcoming governorship election, the coalition urged residents to ensure a peaceful electoral process, while condemning reported cases of political violence and killings across the state.
It called on security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a credible and fair election.
The coalition said, “We believe that investing in young people is the surest investment in the future of Osun State.”