The Accord Party candidate for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, has identified poverty and unemployment as major threats to Nigeria’s social values, calling for increased investment in youth development, education and moral upbringing.
Olajengbesi made the call on Saturday while addressing participants at the Annual Joint Women Conference of the Diocese of Ijesa North, Church of Nigeria (Global Anglican Communion).
The lawyer acknowledged the vital role women play in raising responsible children, building strong families and contributing to community development, pledging his willingness to partner with the women on empowerment initiatives across Ijesa North.
He said his participation in the conference was an opportunity to identify with the women and appreciate their contributions to society, adding that he hoped to attend the programme again the following year.
Olajengbesi also said he was aware of some empowerment programmes organised by the women and expressed readiness to collaborate with them on initiatives aimed at improving women’s welfare and strengthening communities.
According to him, persistent poverty and unemployment have far-reaching consequences for the country’s value system, social stability and leadership, making it necessary for government, parents and community stakeholders to work together to address the challenges.
He urged parents, particularly mothers, to prioritise their children’s education, discipline and moral development, stressing that proper upbringing was essential to raising responsible citizens.
The Accord candidate also encouraged mothers to bring up their children in the ways of the Lord, expressing confidence that sound spiritual and moral guidance would help young people uphold positive values as they grow into adulthood.
Expressing concern about the difficulties many Nigerian graduates encounter in securing jobs after leaving higher institutions, Olajengbesi said the lack of employment opportunities had become a major challenge for the younger generation.
He warned that when young people complete their education without access to decent jobs or meaningful opportunities, the resulting frustration could worsen social problems and expose them to negative influences.
Olajengbesi also referred to incidents of violence, youth restiveness and thuggery associated with the August 2026 Osun State governorship election, arguing that poverty and misplaced priorities among some young people were among the factors requiring urgent attention.
He called for deliberate efforts to tackle the socioeconomic conditions confronting youths while urging parents and community leaders to guide them towards productive pursuits.
The candidate further appealed to women to invest in the younger generation through education, mentorship, responsible parenting and moral instruction, noting that building a society with strong values required collective commitment.
He reiterated his willingness to work with the women of Ijesa North to support programmes focused on women’s empowerment and community development.
Describing the Ijesa people as hardworking and industrious, Olajengbesi urged them to preserve the values associated with their heritage and pass them on to younger generations.
“Ijesa people are great people. Ijesa people are hardworking people, and we must uphold the values,” he said.
He added that combining strong family values with better opportunities for young people and sustained support for women’s empowerment would contribute to the development of Ijesaland.