Oyo State has been described as a vibrant and thriving hub for ambitious and aspiring young individuals, offering exceptional opportunities for their growth and success.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated this in his address at the 19th Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Agodi, Olodo, Ibadan.
Oyelade described Oyo State as a platform for aspiring mobile youths, stressing that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s administration has created an environment where aspiring young individuals can pursue their dreams and achieve success.
“A lot of lives have been transformed through employment. Over 23,000 youths have been employed across different sectors in Oyo State.
“5,020 were trained in agribusiness, with 3,000 trained directly by the state government and 2,020 through partners and 19,500 teachers recruited into public schools.
“This administration continues the policy of youth employment and engagement. So far, no government, in the new or old Oyo, has performed this feat either in times of prosperity or adversity,” he said
The commissioner however cautioned against the growing belief among some religious groups that prayer alone guarantees success, stating that it was a misleading doctrine that could derail the future of young people.
Quoting Proverbs 13:11 and James 2:17-18, Oyelade emphasised the importance of hard work alongside faith and warned against preachers who promote complacency under the guise of spirituality.
He further encouraged youths to embrace diligence and spiritual principle as a pathway to lasting success.
Recognising the challenges faced by diligent youths in a challenging environment, the commissioner stressed government’s efforts to provide opportunities and a supportive system for growth.
He expressed optimism about the bright prospects for youths in Oyo State, declaring, “The horizon is very bright for our youths in this place.”
The commissioner commended Methodist Church for organising another successful synod and expressed hope for a brighter future for youths, inline with the theme for the synod.
In his presidential address, the Bishop of the Methodist Church, Agodi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Oluwole Onaleke, praised Governor Makinde for his exceptional performance in employment, youth empowerment, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and other developmental projects.
He urged the government to take deliberate steps to combat moral decadence and ensure that more youths excel both within Oyo State and globally.
“Today’s youth often display a strong drive to achieving wealth, which should not be viewed as the ultimate purpose in life. Instead, they should focus on building a meaningful and well-rounded life that goes beyond wealth.
“True success lies in pursuing a life of purpose, contributing positively to society, and developing values such as integrity, compassion, and resilience,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of the 2025 Synod, “He will rise again”, as inspired by John 11:23, Bishop Onaleke expressed optimism that the Church, which has experienced a decline in influence and attendance due to societal, cultural, and internal challenges, will regain its prominence.
He encouraged attendees to walk forward in faith, rekindling their collective mission as the body of Christ.
