The Peoples Democratic Party Youth Wing in Kwara State has urged the Governor AbdulRazaq administration to strengthen security, improve transparency in governance, and create more opportunities for young people.
The State Youth Leader, Comrade Adio Odunjo, made the call on Wednesday at a press conference held at the PDP State Secretariat in Ilorin to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.
Odunjo expressed concern over insecurity in parts of the state. He commended security agencies for the recent rescue of residents abducted from Woro, while urging the government to strengthen intelligence gathering, early-warning systems, community security coordination, and rapid response mechanisms to prevent future attacks.
“Today is not merely a day for celebration. It is a day for reflection. It is a day for accountability. And, more importantly, it is a day for us to renew our commitment to the future, welfare, and aspirations of young people,” he said.
The youth leader called on young people to reject political apathy and become active participants in governance. He said youth should not be regarded merely as tools for political mobilisation during elections, but as stakeholders with the right to demand accountability and contribute to decision-making.
“Security is education policy. Security is youth policy. Security is economic policy,” he said.
The PDP Youth Wing presented a 7-point agenda to the state government:
1. Security: Establish a state-community early-warning framework for vulnerable communities
2. Education: Provide a clear security and academic support plan for any school closed due to insecurity
3. Employment: Create a verifiable youth employment framework with published outcomes
4. Transparency: Ensure public access to contract and project data
5. Rural Development: Invest in roads, power, health, water, and agriculture in vulnerable areas
6. Youth Participation: Ensure meaningful youth inclusion in policy, budgeting, and planning
7. Accountability: Set measurable targets and publish public reports on major programmes
“We are asking for responsible leadership, measurable action, and transparent governance,” Odunjo said.
“Where communities need protection, the state must coordinate effectively with federal security agencies. Where young people need jobs, the government must create opportunities.”
To young people, he added: “Do not surrender your future to political apathy. Politics is about whether your community is safe, and whether public money is properly spent.”
He concluded by commending security personnel, noting that rescue must be followed by rehabilitation, justice, prevention, and institutional learning.
