The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has released the official shortlist of nominees for the 2025 edition of the Most Impactful Young Persons Award, an initiative designed to honour exceptional youths who have demonstrated excellence and contributed significantly to both state and national development.
This year’s award is themed “Unlocking Youth Potential; Addressing Needs, Fulfilling Dreams,” and it celebrates trailblazers between the ages of 18 and 40 who have distinguished themselves across various sectors including innovation, entrepreneurship, community service, arts, sports, media, and environmental activism.
The administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, widely recognised for its youth-inclusive policies, has continued to make deliberate efforts to promote youth empowerment and inclusion in governance, most recently reflected in the appointment of a youth-dominated cabinet to drive state policies with fresh perspectives.
Announcing the development, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, disclosed that the publication of the nominee list marks the penultimate phase of the award process. She explained that the next step would be the commencement of the public voting stage, through which the winners in each of the twenty distinct award categories will be determined.
According to the Commissioner, the shortlisted nominees represent the pinnacle of youth achievement in Oyo State, with each candidate selected for their remarkable ability to effect meaningful change and influence their environments in transformative ways.
“These young leaders are not only changing the narrative with their innovation and resilience, but are also inspiring a new era of sustainable impact across various sectors. Their dedication, vision, and community engagement reflect the spirit of progress we are championing in Oyo State,” she stated.
The Ministry further noted that the final voting date will be communicated to the public in the coming days, encouraging citizens to actively participate in recognising and rewarding excellence among the state’s youth population.
The Most Impactful Young Persons Award continues to serve as a powerful platform for spotlighting the efforts of youth change-makers who are pushing boundaries and reshaping communities for the better. As anticipation builds, the initiative reaffirms the Makinde-led government’s commitment to fostering a generation of responsible, creative, and empowered young Nigerians.
