Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has once again appealed for peaceful dialogue between the government and other stakeholders to prevent anarchy and the planned nationwide protest.
Speaking at the National Youth Council of Nigeria's (NYCN) public engagement held at the International Cultural and Events Centre in Akure on Wednesday, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping the nation's future and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to youth empowerment.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd of young leaders, the governor said, "It is an honour to be with you all today at this forum of the National Youth Council of Nigeria. Your passion, creativity, and dedication to creating a better future are truly inspiring."
Emphasising the importance of dialogue over conflict, he commended the youth for their commitment to peaceful resolution of issues. "It is better to jaw-jaw than to war-war. The peace and unity of our nation are a minimum irreducible requirement for accelerated national development," Aiyedatiwa remarked.
Acknowledging the current economic challenges, the governor assured the audience of the government's efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He highlighted the administration's comprehensive food security policy aimed at increasing food production and ensuring affordability.
"Our administration in Ondo State is in tandem with the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of Mr. President. We are unrelenting in our commitment to the welfare and security of our people," he affirmed.
He also outlined the state's youth-centric initiatives, including significant appointments of young individuals to government positions and continuous employment in the public sector.
"Recently, we flagged off a programme christened ONE YOUTH, ONE SKILL. We encourage our youth to key into the opportunities availed by these programmes and policies," he added.
The governor appreciated the youth for their support and endorsement ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
"We must work together to make it happen," he assured, expressing his gratitude for the confidence placed in his administration.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, urged the youth to abstain from participating in the upcoming protest and to embrace peace.
He also emphasised their confidence in the governor.
The chairman of the occasion and former National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Dr. Yakub Shendab, in his remarks, stated that it is the duty of the youth to unite and protect the state from destruction, particularly concerning the issue of protest.
In their goodwill messages, Abdusalam Quadri, Chairman of the Chairmen's Forum, NYCN, Ambassador Sokubo Sara-Igbe Sokubo, National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and Babatunde Omomewo, the youngest ward leader at the APC state level, expressed their honor in being received by the governor.
They stated that the purpose of the interaction session was to show solidarity with the governor due to his commendable leadership style and to decorate him as the grand patron of their association. They appreciated the governor for including youth in his administration.
They acknowledged that while many miscreants have mixed with the good youths of the country, they believe that the genuine Nigerian youths desire what is best for the nation.
They urged the governor to include their representatives in the government and to provide state and local government office accommodations.
The leaders also appreciated the governor for recruiting 2,000 teachers, employing staff at the ODIRS, ensuring prompt payment of salaries, continuing the unfinished projects by the late Akeredolu, appointing youths in his administration, approving bursaries for students, implementing measures to prevent protests, and creating the "One Youth, One Skill" initiative to equip the state's youths with skills to become wealth creators.
The event's highlights included the endorsement of Governor Aiyedatiwa's candidacy and his decoration as the Grand Patron of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu; Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Rasheed Badmus; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbenga Olaniyi; and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, among other top government functionaries.
