Youth leaders and stakeholders in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State have called for greater unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), while urging youths to participate responsibly in the political and socio-economic development of the country.

The call was made at a youth summit organised by the APC Youth Leader in the local government, Busari Mustapha, who also urged party members to sustain support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Mustapha said unity remained important to strengthening the party’s grassroots structure and sustaining its programmes, urging members to work together for the development of the party and the country.

He also advised youths to shun drug abuse, pursue education, acquire relevant skills and embrace entrepreneurship, saying such efforts would help them achieve self-reliance and contribute meaningfully to society.

The youth leader commended the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for what he described as his contributions to youth development and empowerment in Ondo State, particularly in Akoko North West, as well as his support for the Tinubu administration.

He said sustained investment in young people was necessary for the development of Akoko North West and Ondo State, urging youths to take advantage of available opportunities to develop their skills.

The APC Chairman in Akoko North West Local Government, Hon Kehinde Obanla, represented by Hon Bola Salami, commended Mustapha for organising the summit and called on party members and residents to sustain their support for the Tinubu administration.

Similarly, the member representing Akoko North West Constituency I in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Fatai Atere, who is seeking re-election, thanked the people for their support for the APC-led government and urged them to remain supportive of the party.

The Director-General of BTO4PBAT, a political support group, Ogbeni Adojutelegan Adesuyi Gideon, said the APC remained committed to its development agenda and urged members to remain united and focused on the party’s objectives.

Also speaking, Hon Idowu Aiyegbusi stressed the need for unity among party members, saying cohesion was important to strengthening the party and preparing for forthcoming elections.

A major highlight of the summit was an inter-school quiz competition involving students from Constituency 1 and Constituency 2 in Akoko North West. Students from Constituency 1 emerged winners and received a cash prize of N100,000.

The organisers said the competition was aimed at promoting academic excellence, healthy competition and intellectual development among youths.

The summit brought together APC leaders, youths, students, educators and other stakeholders, with discussions focusing on youth participation, education, entrepreneurship, party unity and constructive engagement.