Ogbeni Labzy Alternative, a social enterprise initiative founded by Adeola Adelabu, has successfully hosted the second edition of ALT Café in Ibadan, bringing together young people for conversations on governance, public policy and societal development.
The solution-focused conversation series provided a platform for young Nigerians to engage critically with issues affecting their communities and explore ways of contributing meaningfully to policy development and social change.
The highlight of the event was a fireside chat titled “Young People: Policies and Politics,” featuring frontline broadcast journalist, Kayode Okikiolu, who charged participants to develop themselves into political intellectuals capable of driving meaningful change in the country.
Okikiolu urged young people to deliberately improve their understanding of government and governance by raising what he described as their “government quotient.” He encouraged them to identify and build constructive relationships with relevant government officials at different levels, noting that such engagements could help young people diplomatically influence and contribute to discussions around contentious policies and governance issues.
Participants at the event were drawn from different parts of Oyo State and engaged in conversations centred on the role of young people in shaping policies and influencing decisions that affect their lives and communities.
Speaking on the motivation behind ALT Café, the convener, Adeola Adelabu, said the initiative was conceived as a safe and inclusive space for young people in Ibadan to discuss critical social and developmental issues with the potential to influence policy and create meaningful local impact.
According to him, ALT Café is designed to encourage constructive conversations beyond the prism of partisan politics, while promoting ideas, collaboration and practical solutions to challenges confronting society.
The second edition further reinforced the vision of Ogbeni Labzy Alternative to create platforms that empower young people, stimulate intellectual engagement and inspire greater participation in governance and community development.
