Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to empowering youths across all 18 local government areas. During an interactive session with youth groups at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure, the governor emphasized that young people are “the backbone of the state’s development and vital to the success of any meaningful transformation”.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted key initiatives, stating, “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”. He also outlined his administration’s 7-point developmental agenda, focusing on order and security, rural and urban development, technological advancement, healthcare, power, infrastructure, and education.
Expressing gratitude for the support received during the November 2024 governorship election, the governor noted the youth’s contribution was instrumental to his victory. He urged young people to leverage government policies and avoid actions that could hinder the state’s progress. “This administration is creating the enabling environment to project the state in a good light to attract investors,” he said, acknowledging that protest is a part of democracy, but should follow failed dialogue and negotiations.
Aiyedatiwa encouraged the youth, stating, “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.”
In his remarks, Orioye Gbayisemore, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, praised Aiyedatiwa’s focus on youth development and job creation. He cited initiatives such as payment of WAEC fees, scholarships, teachers’ recruitment, and the One-Youth-One-Skill scheme, urging youths to take ownership of the administration’s vision and actively contribute to building a progressive Ondo State.
