Hon. Sharafa Olaoniye Olaito, former Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, has called on youths to embrace skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, innovation and strategic networking as pathways to economic independence and community development.
Olaoniye made the call in his keynote address, delivered on his behalf by his Media Assistant, Gbadebo Adeniran, who represented him at the Day Three Leadership Summit of Adventure Awaits Comrade 4.0, held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the 800-Seater Hall 1 of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH).
Speaking on the theme, “Youth Empowerment and Economic Independence: Turning Ideas, Skills and Networks into Opportunities,” he maintained that genuine youth empowerment goes beyond the distribution of cash, political patronage and occasional training programmes, stressing the need to equip young people with sustainable skills and the capacity to create economic opportunities.
According to him, economic independence is achieved when individuals can identify societal problems, develop practical solutions, create value and generate sustainable income from their knowledge and expertise.
He challenged young people to move beyond seeking employment and become job creators, noting that financial assistance without sustainable income-generating capacity offers only temporary relief rather than lasting economic independence.
Highlighting the economic potential of Ibarapa, Olaoniye identified agriculture, technology, manufacturing, food processing and entrepreneurship as critical sectors capable of transforming the local economy.
He specifically referenced the agricultural potential of communities such as Igangan, Tapa, Ayete, Idere, Igboora, Eruwa and Lanlate, noting that the production of yam, cassava, sweet potatoes, melon and honey could support viable industries through processing, packaging, branding and distribution.
He questioned why farmers should continue to sell agricultural produce in its raw form when young entrepreneurs could establish businesses around processing and distribution, thereby creating employment and retaining more economic value within their communities.
The APC federal constituency candidate also cited the late Dr. Oluyombo Awojobi as an outstanding example of how professional competence, innovation and determination could transform rural communities.
He recalled that Dr. Awojobi established Awojobi Clinic in Eruwa in 1986 after identifying the challenges confronting rural healthcare delivery, demonstrating that meaningful innovation and professional excellence were not restricted to major metropolitan centres.
Olaoniye urged young people to draw inspiration from the late medical professional by identifying challenges within their communities and deploying their knowledge and skills to provide practical solutions.
He further advocated a transition from survival businesses to structured and scalable enterprises, emphasising the importance of financial literacy, proper bookkeeping, business registration, customer relations, strategic planning and access to markets.
On the importance of networking, he encouraged successful Ibarapa indigenes at home and abroad to establish stronger connections with young people through mentorship, internships, investment opportunities and professional guidance.
He also stressed the need to bridge the gap between education and the economy, urging young people to complement academic qualifications with technical and vocational skills in areas such as solar technology, automobile diagnostics, welding, fabrication, refrigeration, construction, food processing and digital technology.
Addressing the role of government and leadership, Olaoniye said government should create an enabling environment for citizens to thrive rather than replace their initiative.
He identified access to electricity, good roads, broadband connectivity, water supply and affordable finance as essential requirements for productive enterprise.
He added that effective representation must translate the needs and aspirations of the people into meaningful development outcomes, promising to advocate opportunities that would connect young people in Ibarapa to federal skills-development programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, vocational training, research opportunities and business support institutions.
Speaking on the mindset required for the next generation, he urged youths not to allow their places of birth or geographical locations to limit their ambitions, encouraging them to embrace technology, develop competence, build professional relationships and remain financially disciplined.
Olaoniye Cautions Youths Against Political Violence
In a concluding message ahead of the 2027 general election, Olaoniye cautioned young people against political violence, warning them not to allow themselves to become instruments of hostility in the hands of politicians.
He urged youths to promote their preferred candidates through facts, ideas and decency, while maintaining personal relationships and community unity despite political differences.
He particularly appealed to his supporters not to fight, insult or threaten anyone on his behalf, declaring: “Do not fight for me in this election. Do not insult anyone for me. Do not threaten anyone on my behalf. I only ask that you vote for me.”
He maintained that political elections would come and go, but communities would remain, stressing that no political ambition was worth sacrificing human life.
He expressed the hope that the 2027 general election would be remembered for the quality of ideas, political maturity and peaceful conduct of the people rather than violence and hostility.
Olaoniye concluded by urging Ibarapa stakeholders to invest in the younger generation, connect them to opportunities and collectively build an economy where ideas become enterprises, skills create wealth and networks translate into opportunities.
