IYD: Government urged to empower youths, persons with disabilities

The Ogun State government and other relevant stakeholders have been urged to strengthen support for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and programmes targeted at Persona With Disabilities, PWD.

The call was made on Wednesday, during the 2026 International Youth Day, themed, “Different Contexts, Common Aspiration” with the sub theme, “Empowering Youths, Women and Persons With Disabilities Through Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Inclusive Economic Opportunities.”

DAILY POST reports that the International Youth Day, is observed every August 12 worldwide to highlight issues affecting youths, promotes development, and positions young people as drivers of change.

Speaking at the event held in Abeokuta, the Chief Executive Officer of Edfrica, Dr Odumusi Emmanuel, stressed the need for a stronger collaboration between government, private organisations and development partners to create opportunities for young people and persons with disabilities.

Emmanuel argued that persons with disabilities must be included in development initiatives because “without them, the world will not be complete.”

He noted that although government policies and funding opportunities exist, implementation and inadequate support often limit their impact.

The doctor also urged young people to remain focused and committed despite the economic challenges confronting them, citing his personal experience.

He encouraged youths to invest in themselves and their future, noting that success may take time and require sacrifice, but perseverance and hard work would eventually yield results.

“Every youth should see the vision and do all the work despite the issues, hunger and stress they might face. Do your best to invest in your life and in your future,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Temitope Ajao, a civil servant and Grace Animasaun, appreciated the stakeholders for organising the programme, and appealed to the state government to give greater attention to persons with disabilities by including them in government programmes, policies and development initiatives.

They harped on the need for government to ensure that disability laws and policies are properly implemented to improve the welfare and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, especially women.

According to them, greater inclusion would give PWDs more opportunities to participate, contribute to their communities and improve their lives.