A political commentator and advocate, Olakunle Akande, has called on young people in Ogun State to look beyond temporary political benefits and demand clear, sustainable and transformative development plans from those seeking elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akande made the call yesterday while speaking on a political forum programme aired on Family FM 88.5FM Abeokuta, where he urged young people across political parties to remain focused on the long-term future of the state rather than the immediate gains often associated with election campaigns.
According to him, as political activities begin to gather momentum towards the next election, young people must understand the importance of defining their expectations and demanding accountability from political candidates.
He warned that the period of political campaigns often comes with increased distribution of souvenirs, gifts, cash and other forms of empowerment, which, although capable of providing immediate relief, should not become the ultimate basis upon which young people support political candidates.
“We must demand more than temporary gains. Souvenirs, gifts, cash and empowerment may be useful for immediate relief, but they cannot replace policies and programmes that will secure the future of our people,” Akande said.
He stressed that Ogun youths, regardless of their political affiliations, should begin to ask critical questions about how candidates intending to lead the state from 2027 plan to improve on existing achievements and address long-standing challenges.
While acknowledging what he described as the positive contributions of the current administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Akande said future leaders must be prepared to explain what they intend to do differently.
He said political candidates should be able to demonstrate how they would improve areas that are already performing well, strengthen sectors that require further development and introduce innovative solutions capable of addressing persistent problems.
Education Beyond Certificates
Speaking on the education sector, Akande noted that Ogun State has continued to maintain a strong educational reputation, but argued that the system must evolve to better prepare young people for the realities of a competitive global economy.
According to him, government alone cannot provide enough jobs for the growing population of young people, making it necessary to introduce stronger problem-solving, innovation and entrepreneurship frameworks into the educational system.
He advocated a shift from an educational culture centred mainly on obtaining good grades and seeking employment to one that encourages students to identify problems, develop solutions, create enterprises and compete globally.
Akande said young people must therefore make their expectations clear and demand to know how political candidates intend to reform the educational environment.
“If we clearly define the kind of educational system we want, political leaders and candidates will be compelled to engage the right experts and develop policies that can make such a vision possible,” he said.
Call for Research Into Traditional Medicine
Akande also identified the health sector as another area requiring innovation, particularly in the development and standardisation of traditional medicine.
He called for the establishment of a research centre in Ogun State dedicated to studying, testing and refining traditional medicinal practices and herbal products to meet recognised scientific and international standards.
According to him, traditional medicine has historically played an important role in healthcare within local communities and should be subjected to proper research, documentation and scientific evaluation rather than being completely disregarded.
He advocated a health system that encourages responsible collaboration between scientifically validated traditional medicine and conventional healthcare, while maintaining appropriate safety, research and regulatory standards.
Akande argued that such an approach could create new opportunities for research, innovation, employment and enterprise development within the state.
A Call for Youth Participation
The political commentator concluded by urging Ogun youths to become more intentional about their participation in the democratic process.
He said young people should not approach the 2027 elections merely as supporters of political personalities or beneficiaries of campaign-period incentives, but as stakeholders with the responsibility to demand policies capable of shaping the future of the state.
As Ogun State moves gradually towards the 2027 political season, Akande stressed that the focus of young people should be on asking difficult questions, demanding practical solutions, and holding political candidates accountable to clear development plans.
“The future we desire cannot be built on temporary gains alone. We must demand policies, ideas and solutions that will create lasting opportunities and make Ogun State stronger for generations to come,” he said.
