The Ondo state Government has urged youth in the state to be productive as this is the only way to liberate Nigeria from its current state of economic realities.
The disclosure was made known on Tuesday after an awareness walk which formed part of the activities to mark this year's edition of International Youth Day (IYD).
Speaking at the event, the Ondo state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko ably represented by his deputy Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo said the year's anniversary came at time where the country is facing serious economic challenge, adding that the youth carry the effect as they fall victims of unemployment.
"It is evident that the effect of the current economic situation is upon the youth who fall victims of mass unemployment which consequently lure them into crime and other social vices." He said.
The governor noted that his administration has invested a lot in youth empowerment in the state, stressing that the Wealth Creation Agency (WECA) is serving as a model of youth empowerment and human resources model by training over 2500 youth to be self-reliant in agricultural business, urging them to leverage on these investments.
"Agro-business city in Ore, Usuada, Auga and Epe over 2,500 youths has undergone capacity training in model are now independent employers. The government has supported the future of the youths by making education one of its priorities from the mega schools to the free school shuttle buses and payment of WAEC and NECO fees for SS3 students in the state." He added.
While addressing journalists, the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon Dayo Awude described the event as a joyous one which has given the government the opportunity to celebrate with youth. "If you celebrate them, they will be committed to the ideals of the society, and the ideals we are all noted for in Ondo state" he said.
He also urged the youth to live a life of production so as to add value to the country, adding that they should engage in meaningful and productive ventures capable of spurring the nation's economic growth.
He aslo advised the youth to remain focused, stressing that "the future belongs to us; we can achieve our desires if we remain focused."
Also speaking, the state President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN), Comrade Toyin Owoeye, appealed to the state government to create more job opportunities to bring an end to poverty in the state.
"I want to appeal to the state government to make creation of employment a priority to all the youth in the state that will eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable production." She said.
