Aiyedatiwa pledges to empower Ondo youths

Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, promised to deepen his administration’s efforts in empowering the youth and ensuring a safe, prosperous future for all citizens of the state.

Speaking during an interactive session with youth groups held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, Aiyedatiwa described young people as the backbone of the state’s development and vital to the success of any meaningful transformation.

Aiyedatiwa who presented to the youth his administration’s 7-point developmental agenda, tagged “Our Ease”, which focuses on order and security, rural and urban development, technological advancement, healthcare, power, infrastructure, and education.

According to him, the state government has already begun implementing impactful initiatives such as the payment of WAEC and NABTEB fees for students, scholarships and bursaries for undergraduates, the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers, and the renovation of educational facilities across the state.

“We have provided nano grant as business support to 5,000 youths, engaged 15,000 young people in labour-intensive public workforce programmes, and officially opened Youth Skill Centres across the state under the One-Youth-One-Skill Scheme,” he said.

Responding to issues raised by some representatives of the youth, Governor Aiyedatiwa promised to appoint a young person as Commissioner for Youth Affairs very soon while promising more employment and empowerment opportunities for young people in the State.

The Governor also expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support shown by the youth during the November 2024 governorship election, describing their contribution as instrumental to his electoral victory across the 18 local government areas of the state.

On the issue of security, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that his government is working closely with security agencies to rid the State of criminal elements, saying calm has gradually returned to the State.

He said: “We will not allow criminals to have comfort in our State. Right now, criminal elements who recently strayed into our forests and farmsteads are facing the heat.

“While we assure law-abiding citizens of protection, we shall continue to smoke out criminal elements that may threaten the peace and security of the State.”

The Governor urged the youth to take advantage of the administration’s policies and programmes and stay away from actions that could derail the development of the State.

“This administration is creating the enabling environment to project the state in a good light to attract investors, while alluding to the fact that protest is part of democracy but only after dialogue and negotiations with appropriate government agencies have failed.

“Let us not dissipate our God-given talents and energies on negative tendencies. We must work together to promote peace, build community, and unleash our potential. We believe in you and are committed to supporting you,” he added.

In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritizing youth development and job creation in the State.

He expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership and commended his commitment to improving the lives of young people.

Gbayisemore highlighted initiatives such as the payment of WAEC fees, scholarships, teachers’ recruitment, and the One Youth, One Skill scheme.

He urged the youth to take ownership of the administration’s vision and play active roles in building a progressive Ondo.

During their separate remarks, stakeholders from the three senatorial districts, Mr. Abiola Obanoyen from the Northern District, Miss Yewande Omobomi from the Central District, and Mr. Jonathan Obatola from the Southern District echoed similar sentiments as they commended the governor for his youth-friendly policies and unwavering commitment to youth welfare.

However, they urged the governor to do more for young people so that they can continue to have a sense of belonging.

The Commander of the South West Security Agency (Amotekun) in Ondo State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, briefed the gathering on the efforts of the agency in combating the security challenges in the State.

He emphasized that despite these challenges, Amotekun remains undeterred and is fully committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and residents, even at great personal risk to its personnel. He therefore called for collective action and collaborative efforts to address the security challenges facing the state.

Those in attendance at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of OSRC, Mr. Keneth Stevenson-Odusola, Local Government chairmen, and other top government officials.

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