The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has officially declared his support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, widely known as “Yayi” for the 2027 Ogun State governorship race.
Olopade, an illustrious son of Ogun State and former Commissioner for Sports, has begun mobilizing youth across the state to back the senator’s bid to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Speaking in Abeokuta at a special interfaith prayer and declaration of support for the senator, Olopade noted that the administration’s deliberate inclusion of youths reflects a governance philosophy anchored on capacity building, generational transition, and structured opportunities.
He said the approach positions young people not as passive observers but as key drivers of development, adding that Ogun State requires such a leadership framework to sustain and build on the foundation laid by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Policy Development, Abiola Odetola, Olopade urged youths across the state to actively participate in politics, stressing that engagement is crucial to shaping the country’s future.
He identified a gap in the transition of young people from grassroots participation to higher leadership roles, expressing confidence that Adeola would replicate Tinubu’s empowerment model in Ogun State to ensure continuity and stability.
“Young people must not only be interested but actively involved in the political process. They must take centre stage with their ideas and intellect to drive positive change and good governance,” he said.
Olopade added that Tinubu’s leadership style—rooted in selfless service and compassionate governance—makes Adeola’s ambition a cause worthy of support among youths in Ogun State and beyond.
The event, organised by the Yayi Youth Vanguard under the theme “Consolidating a Brighter Future for Ogun Youth: Inclusiveness in Politics and Governance,” drew thousands of youths from the three senatorial districts.
Convener of the group, Olamide Lawal, said the initiative was aimed at awakening political consciousness among young people, stressing that active participation is key to influencing governance and development at the grassroots.
He urged youths to shun political apathy, noting that failure to engage strips them of the moral right to criticise poor governance.
Also speaking, Ogun State House of Assembly member representing Ipokia Constituency, Bisi Oyedele, described Adeola as a unifying figure in the push for Ogun West to produce the state’s next governor.
“As we approach 2027, Senator Adeola remains the face of Ogun West’s governorship aspiration. His track record and capacity for leadership are evident,” Oyedele said, citing his infrastructural projects across the district.
In his keynote address, Pastor Abiodun Sanyaolu emphasised the decisive role of youths in electoral outcomes, urging greater mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging other aspirants within the APC, Sanyaolu maintained that Adeola stands out as the most suitable candidate to succeed Governor Abiodun.
Earlier, State Coordinator of Yayi Youth Vanguard, Emmanuel Enitan Ojo, described the gathering as a symbol of unity, faith, and commitment to Ogun State’s progress, pledging to take the campaign across the state.
