2027: Yayi pledges creative economy, jobs for Ogun youths

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has pledged to develop a vibrant creative economy and create an enabling environment for young talents to thrive and secure employment within the state if elected in the 2027 general election.

Yayi made the vow during an interactive session with a cross-section of Ogun youths in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Speaking at the session themed “Gen Z Asks, Yayi Listens,” Yayi said Ogun State is home to immense talent and promised to establish platforms that would help young people discover, develop and showcase their abilities.

The lawmaker added that his administration would strengthen the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to drive talent discovery, promotion and the growth of the state’s creative economy.

“Under the nine pillars of my administration, we are giving focus to cultural and tourism. We will empower the ministry of Culture and Tourism to create a platform that will detect and promote talents. We will ensure a ministry that is efficient and vibrant. We will work closely with talents and stakeholders to create a thriving creative and entertainment industry in Ogun State,” he said.

On youth unemployment and underemployment, the senator pledged to negotiate employment quotas with industries operating in the state to create opportunities for qualified indigenes.

Yayi added that available positions would be publicly advertised and made accessible to eligible graduates.

Addressing concerns about the growing trend of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, popularly known as ‘Japa’, Yayi acknowledged that it had become a national challenge.

The APC candidate, however, said his administration would tackle the trend in Ogun State by creating well-paying jobs and improving opportunities for young professionals.

“Especially in the medical profession, Ogun State needs more doctors and qualified nurses. We will work closely with them to make sure they are employed within this system. I will do everything within my reach to retain our best hands and provide them with the enabling environment to showcase their talents,” Yayi stated.

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Responding to concerns about the sustainability of his ongoing projects and empowerment programmes, and whether they were merely political gestures to secure votes, Yayi assured the youths that the initiatives would continue and expand if elected.

He said: “I have set a standard that I can’t go below. I will improve on my development programmes. We will set up the Ministry of Wealth Creation that will drive the continuity of my empowerment programmes.

“We will empower more people across the state and also embark on skill acquisition programmes that will upscale capacity. Under my leadership, the issue of bad roads will be a thing of the past in Ogun State. No student will study under the tree during my tenure as governor of this state.”

In her opening remarks, the convener of Gen Z for Yayi, Kira Taiwo, described the session as an opportunity for young people to contribute to conversations about their future and the development of Ogun State.

Taiwo said the engagement was designed to give youths a platform to express the opportunities they would like to see under the next administration.

“I hope this translates to youth participation and opportunities to shape the future of Ogun State,” Taiwo said.