Osogbo Youths Seek Jobs, Political Relevance in Meeting with Lekan Badmus

Osogbo Youths Seek Jobs, Political Relevance in Meeting with Lekan Badmus

The Osogbo Progressive Youth Movement (OPYM) has met with Honourable Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to press for sustainable jobs, youth empowerment and fair political representation for Osogbo in Osun State.

The meeting, which held on Tuesday, was described by participants as a family-style engagement, deliberately free of partisan politics, with discussions centred on youth employment, economic development, and Osogbo’s political relevance within the state.

During the engagement, OPYM executives commended Hon. Badmus (popularly known as Omo Oloore) for various empowerment initiatives he has facilitated since assuming office at the Nigerian Ports Authority. However, the youths stressed that empowerment must go beyond short-term support, insisting on long-term and sustainable employment opportunities for Osogbo youths.

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The group stated that at the end of Badmus’ tenure at the NPA, they would return to assess how many Osogbo indigenes had directly secured meaningful employment through his intervention. They emphasized that such an assessment should be backed with verifiable documentation, including beneficiaries’ names and family compounds, to promote transparency and accountability.

Beyond employment, the youths appealed to the NPA director to leverage his influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to engage party leadership in Osun State. According to them, this is crucial to ensuring that Osogbo receives fair political appointments if the APC wins the next governorship election.

The youths argued that as the administrative headquarters of Osun State, Osogbo deserves equitable consideration for senatorial seats, House of Representatives positions, and other strategic political appointments, particularly as the party’s gubernatorial ticket was not zoned to the town.

Reaffirming their confidence in him, the Osogbo Progressive Youth Movement pledged continued support for Honourable Lekan Badmus, describing him as a committed son of Osogbo. The group promised to keep offering constructive advice in the collective interest of the town.

Responding, Honourable Olalekan Badmus thanked the delegation for what he described as a frank and productive engagement, noting that no individual holds a monopoly of ideas. He assured the youths that his doors remain open to suggestions that would enhance youth empowerment and Osogbo’s development.

He disclosed that several Osogbo indigenes have already benefited from employment opportunities facilitated through his office and pledged to do more before the end of his tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Badmus also urged the youth group to remain united, focused and consistent in their advocacy, encouraging them to pursue Osogbo’s interests through well-articulated demands and constructive dialogue.

The meeting ended with prayers around 11:00 p.m., with participants describing the NPA director as a humble, accessible and dependable leader capable of representing Osogbo effectively whenever he decides to formally enter the political arena.

The group also offered prayers for God’s guidance, good health and long life for the NPA director.

Osogbo Youths Seek Jobs, Political Relevance in Meeting with Lekan Badmus