The Oyo State Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oladejo Olalekan Glory, has launched a scathing critique of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, accusing it of failing the youth and mismanaging critical sectors, particularly education and agriculture.
Speaking during a current affairs programme, Inside Scoop, on Adamimogo 105.1FM, Ibadan, Glory said the state government’s policies have had little meaningful impact on young people despite claims of youth-focused initiatives.
He argued that while the administration may have appointed young people into positions, it has not translated into tangible benefits for the wider youth population. “It is one thing to appoint youth into government, it is another to impact their lives directly,” he said, insisting that the current government caters only to a “selected few.”
The APC chieftain described the state’s education sector as being “in a mess,” citing alleged administrative bottlenecks and rising school fees in state-owned institutions. According to him, institutions such as The Polytechnic, Ibadan and other tertiary schools have suffered from poor management and inadequate funding.
He also criticised what he termed excessive central control in the administration of tertiary institutions, claiming it has stifled efficiency and growth. “You cannot run an educational system like a private enterprise,” he said, adding that the situation has worsened over the past eight years.
Glory further alleged that tuition fees in some institutions have increased by more than 180 per cent without corresponding improvements in infrastructure or academic standards.
On agriculture, he claimed that several farm settlements across the state have become moribund, contrasting the current situation with what he described as functional systems under former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He maintained that earlier public-private partnership initiatives in agriculture had been abandoned by the current administration.
The youth leader also took issue with recent political rhetoric, describing as “barbaric” comments attributed to Governor Makinde regarding political tensions in the state. He warned against inflammatory statements, especially given Oyo’s history of political violence.
On national politics, Glory defended the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in relation to youth development. He claimed that federal initiatives have benefited thousands of students and young Nigerians, arguing that such programmes would form a strong campaign foundation for the APC.
He also attributed the increase in federal allocations to states to reforms under the current administration, questioning how state governments, including Oyo, have utilised the additional funds.
The interview also touched on the broader political climate, with Glory rejecting claims that opposition coalitions could threaten the APC’s dominance. He argued that opposition parties lack credibility and public trust.
