By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader in Ogun State, Olasunkanmi Oyejide, has disclosed details of a high-level engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, describing the encounter as a major turning point in his political journey.

Oyejide, spoke weeks after his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the meeting was initiated by the minister as part of ongoing mobilisation efforts for the President in the South-West.

According to him, what was initially planned as a private engagement with the minister took an unexpected turn with the arrival of Seyi Tinubu, leading to what he described as a “frank and forward-looking conversation” on youth development and inclusion.

He said, “On getting there, I was expecting to meet him alone as planned. But then, to my surprise, Seyi Tinubu walked in. For a moment, I was stunned. He asked me to relax, and I quickly composed myself”.

Oyejide stated that the discussion underscored a growing national recognition of youth participation, stressing that both Seyi Tinubu and the minister are actively engaging young Nigerians across the country.

“Across the country, Seyi Tinubu and the Honourable Minister have been on the move, engaging young people directly, listening to them, and shaping ideas that will truly move the youth constituency forward,” he said.

He described Seyi Tinubu as deeply connected to grassroots realities, noting that his approach to youth development is deliberate and impact-driven.

“Seyi Tinubu’s ingenuity and deep understanding of the grassroots was evident. He is not disconnected from the realities young Nigerians face; rather, he is right in the middle of it, identifying talent, building capacity, and pushing for real inclusion,” Oyejide added.

The former PDP chieftain further revealed that Seyi Tinubu assured that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, youths would play active roles in governance.

“He emphasized that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, youths are no longer spectators but active players in governance,” he said.

Oyejide noted that the increasing appointment of young Nigerians into key government positions signals what he described as a bold shift towards investing in the nation’s future.

“Today, young Nigerians are being entrusted with responsibilities as appointees, a defining shift that signals a government willing to invest in its future,” he stated.

He added that Seyi Tinubu commended Nigerian youths for their resilience and urged them to remain committed to nation-building.

“His message was clear and firm: stay patriotic, stay committed, and put the nation first,” he said.

The APC stalwart also stressed that the engagement highlighted a deliberate effort by both Seyi Tinubu and the minister to create opportunities for competent youths.

“There is a strong hunger to open more doors for capable youths, but also a deliberate effort to ensure that only those who are prepared, competent and committed step into those opportunities,” he said.

Reflecting on the encounter, Oyejide described it as both encouraging and unexpected, revealing that Seyi Tinubu acknowledged his grassroots political efforts and urged him to remain consistent.

“He said, ‘Mr. Suco, I know you are a grassroots politician. We are watching. I get feedback from the grassroots, just keep doing what you are doing,’” he disclosed.

Oyejide said he used the opportunity to convey the concerns and aspirations of Nigerian youths, adding that he was overwhelmed by the rapid progression of events.

 “I didn’t expect things to move this fast, but when preparation meets opportunity, results speak,” he noted.

He expressed appreciation to Solomon Olamilekan Adeola for his support, as well as local political leaders who facilitated his integration into the APC.

Recounting earlier engagements, Oyejide said he travelled from Onisasa village in Abeokuta North Local Government Area to Lagos for a meeting with the senator, accompanied by key associates.

According to him, the meeting reinforced the inclusive nature of the APC.

“APC is a platform that gives everyone a level playing ground. What matters here is value. If you have capacity, you will rise,” he said.

He likened the level of organisation within the party to a “well-coordinated high-profile event,” expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future and his political trajectory.