Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment in all 18 local government areas of the state.
Aiyedatiwa also promised to deepen his administration’s efforts in empowering the youths and ensuring a safe, prosperous future for all citizens of the state, adding that 15,000 youths had been empowered through labour-intensive public workforce programmes of his administration.
The governor stated this during an interactive session with various youth groups held at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure, the state on Tuesday.
While describing young people as the backbone of the state’s development and vital to the success of any meaningful transformation, Aiyedatiwa 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.
He said, “We have provided nano grants 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.”
The governor, who expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support shown by the youth during the November 2024 governorship election, described their contribution as instrumental to his electoral victory across the 18 local government areas of the state.
He 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,” he said 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 your potential. We believe in you and are committed to supporting you,” he charged.
In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, lauded Aiyedatiwa for prioritising youth development and job creation in the state.
Gbayisemore expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership and commended his commitment to improving the lives of young people.
He 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 State.
