Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, security, and inclusive governance, promising to expand employment opportunities and appoint a young person as Commissioner for Youth Affairs.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the pledge on Tuesday during an interactive session with youth stakeholders at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.
He described young people as the backbone of the state’s development and integral to the success of his administration’s transformation agenda.
Presenting his government’s seven-point developmental agenda, tagged “Our Ease’, the governor outlined key areas of focus, including order and security, rural and urban development, technological advancement, healthcare, power, infrastructure, and education.
He highlighted various initiatives already underway to support young people, including the payment of WAEC and NABTEB fees, scholarships and bursaries for undergraduates, recruitment of over 2,000 teachers, and the renovation of educational facilities.
“We have provided nano grants to 5,000 youth entrepreneurs, engaged 15,000 young people through labour-intensive public works programmes, and established Youth Skill Centres under the One-Youth-One-Skill Scheme,” he stated.
In response to concerns raised by youth representatives, Governor Aiyedatiwa promised to deepen inclusion by appointing a young person as Commissioner for Youth Affairs, while assuring that more employment and empowerment initiatives are on the horizon.
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The governor also appreciated the overwhelming support received from the youth during the November 2024 governorship election, describing their role as instrumental to his victory across the 18 local government areas of the state.
On security, Aiyedatiwa reassured citizens that his administration is working closely with security agencies to tackle criminal elements, particularly those hiding in forests and rural communities.
“We will not allow criminals to find comfort in our state. Our security agencies are currently flushing them out. Law-abiding citizens are assured of our protection,” he said.
The governor urged young people to seize available opportunities and avoid actions that could undermine the state’s development.
While acknowledging that protest is a democratic right, he emphasised the importance of exhausting dialogue and negotiation channels before resorting to demonstrations.
“We must not waste our God-given talents on negative tendencies. Let us work together to build our communities, promote peace, and unlock your full potential,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, commended the governor’s proactive approach to youth development.
He highlighted interventions such as WAEC fee payments, scholarship awards, teacher recruitment, and the One-Youth-One-Skill scheme, urging the youth to take ownership of the administration’s vision.
Youth leaders from the three senatorial districts—Mr Abiola Obanoyen (North), Miss Yewande Omobomi (Central), and Mr Jonathan Obatola (South)—commended the governor’s efforts but appealed for sustained support to ensure that young people feel included in the development process.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, also addressed the gathering, assuring the corps’ continued efforts to tackle security threats despite ongoing challenges. He called for collaborative efforts in maintaining peace across the state.
