A coalition of young activists under the banner of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC) staged a protest on Tuesday at the Osun State Ministry of Youth Affairs, accusing the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Moshood Olagunju, of manipulating the delegate selection process for the upcoming National Youth Conference for political purposes.
The demonstrators, visibly angered, claimed that those who were actively involved in last August’s nationwide protests against insecurity, inflation, and unemployment are now being excluded from the delegation, while individuals who played no role in the movement are being favoured.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Oluomo Success, CCNC’s spokesperson, alleged that the group, which led the peaceful eight-day demonstration in August 2024, was unfairly allotted just one out of the nine available delegate slots, and only on the condition that the representative be a woman.
“The Commissioner dictated the gender of our representative, which undermines our internal decision-making process. It raises serious questions about his motives,” Oluomo said.
He described the directive as disrespectful to those who led the demonstrations, stating that individuals who criticised the protest at the time are now being rewarded with delegate roles.
“This is not about seeking favours. It’s about fairness and recognising the people who made sacrifices. The National Youth Conference was one of our core demands during the August protests. Now that it is being implemented, the original drivers of the movement must not be pushed aside,” he added.
Oluomo further warned that the coalition, which he said comprises more than 53 affiliated organisations, would sustain its protest until the alleged marginalisation is addressed and fair representation ensured.
In response, Commissioner Moshood Olagunju defended the selection process, asserting that it followed a directive from the Federal Government.
“We were instructed to ensure the inclusion of NYSC corps members, particularly those serving in Osun who are also indigenes. The decision was not solely ours,” he explained.
The Commissioner noted that he exercised discretion by allocating a slot to a CCNC member, insisting that the broader framework was determined from Abuja.
However, CCNC rejected his explanation, claiming that the process lacked fairness and transparency. The group also accused aides of the Commissioner of trying to intimidate them through verbal attacks.
“We will not be silenced or intimidated. The Commissioner must uphold transparency and ensure a merit-based, inclusive selection. Until then, we will continue to return here in protest,” Oluomo said.
The group also called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene and ensure that delegate selection reflects equitable representation and recognises those who were at the forefront of youth advocacy in the state.