The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has thrown its weight behind the Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit 2026, scheduled for 25 and 26 August in Ibadan.
Among leading figures billed for the event are the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacchaeus Adedeji, who will serve as Chief Facilitator.
Adedeji is expected to deliver a session on ‘Fiscal Renewal, Revenue Mobilisation, and the Economic Future of Oyo State in the Context of Nigeria’s Progressive National Agenda.’
Organisers say the session will connect Oyo State’s future to broader national reform efforts and help emerging leaders better understand the link between politics and economic governance.
Also expected at the summit is the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who is the Special Guest of Honour, while Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, will deliver the keynote address on ‘Bridging Political Divides, Building Strategic Alliances, and Mobilising Òyó State for Progressive Victory in 2027.’
His speech is expected to focus on coalition-building, political alignment, and the strategic steps required to unify political strength in the state ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Other featured speakers include Comrade Ayodele Wisdom Olawande, Honourable Minister of Youth Development, who will speak on ‘Youth Mobilisation, Political Inclusion, and Building a New Generation of Electoral Victory’; Mr Dayo Israel, National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on ‘Emerging Political Leaders and the Future of APC Grassroots Mobilisation in Òyó State’; and Barrister Ismael Ahmed, OON, Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, on ‘Energy Reform, Youth Enterprise, and the Politics of Economic Hope.’
Also listed among the speakers are Barrister Seyi Tinubu, who will address ‘Youth Engagement, Political Consciousness, and Mobilising the Emerging Generation for 2027’; Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, who will speak on ‘Reconciliation, Political Relevance, and the Power of Inclusion in Òyó State Politics’; Chief Engineer Dotun Sanusi, with a session on ‘Private Sector, Grassroots Mobilisation, and Building Political Strength for Òyó’s Future’; and Honourable Engineer Aderemi Abass Oseni, who will speak on ‘Grassroots Representation, Political Inclusion, and Mobilising Emerging Leaders for APC Victory in Òyó State.’
In a formal endorsement letter dated 11 August 2026 and addressed to the Convener, Wale Ajani, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the forthcoming event as a timely and significant platform for preparing a new generation of leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the summit represents a critical intervention to deepen political participation and strengthen the place of young people in Nigeria’s democracy.
The 2-day summit’s theme is: ‘Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilising Emerging Leaders for 2027.’
The Minister challenged Nigerian politicians to stop treating young people as election-season tools.
He said, ‘I have consistently maintained that young people must not be regarded merely as foot soldiers of politics or mobilised only when elections approach.’
‘They must be recognised as stakeholders, decision-makers and leaders with a legitimate role in shaping the direction of their communities and our country.’
As Nigeria approaches another democratic transition, he said the country ‘must deliberately create platforms that promote inclusion, encourage constructive political engagement and prepare a new generation of leaders with the character, competence and capacity to contribute meaningfully to governance.’
In what may become the defining soundbite of the summit, the Minister laid out a new code of conduct for emerging political leaders heading into 2027:
‘We need young political leaders who can organise without dividing, compete without destroying relationships, disagree without becoming enemies, and understand that politics must ultimately be about service, responsibility and improving the lives of the people.’
The summit, convened by renowned political strategist Wale Ajani, is expected to draw emerging political leaders, youth stakeholders, grassroots mobilisers, women leaders and other influential voices from across ?`y?´ State.
The Minister commended the organising team and urged participants to see the gathering as more than ‘another political gathering.’
‘I encourage all participants to see the Summit as an opportunity to build bridges, exchange ideas, strengthen unity and inspire a new generation of purposeful political leadership,’ Olawande wrote.
‘The future of our democracy will be shaped by young people who are prepared not only to seek leadership, but to demonstrate the character, competence and courage required to lead.’
With federal backing now secured just two weeks before the event, expectations are high that the Ibadan Civic Centre will host one of the most consequential youth political gatherings in the South-West ahead of 2027.