The immediate past Commissioner for Youth Development in Ekiti State, Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo, has declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has demonstrated by actions and policies that he was ready to reward and celebrate excellence and innovation among youth population.
Adedayo, who was appointed into the Ministry by Governor Oyebanji, said he has veracious evidence to substantiate the claim that the governor was incurably committed to bringing a paradigm shift and tackle the menace of socio-economic challenges confronting productive population.
The former commissioner spoke in Ado Ekiti, at the inauguration of the new leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students/JCC, Ekiti axis.
As part of the ways to empower them politically, being demographically positioned to take strategic leadership roles, Adedayo advised them to massively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration Exercise declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said the inauguration with the theme: “Repositioning Student Leadership for Grassroots Development and National Unity”, signposted that Ekiti youth have pivotal roles to play in the socioeconomic and political advancement of the state, as well as its security, peace and unity.
He clarified that the role of young people in driving growth, unity, and innovation cannot be overstated, saying Ekiti was divinely blessed with a leader like Governor Oyebanji, who is developing the youth through investment in agriculture, innovation, entrepreneurship, and other critical sectors.
Adedayo said Governor Oyebanji’s visionary commitment to driving youth inclusion into the Shared Prosperity Mantra of his administration, has created a conducive environment where every young person can thrive, contribute, and fulfill their potential.
“In the same spirit, we must also appreciate the efforts of YSJ Limited for its remarkable contributions to youth empowerment particularly its support for the 2025 International Youth Day Celebration .
“Beyond the ongoing Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture initiative, YSJ has continued to roll out several other impactful programs targeted at skills development, capacity building, and socio-economic advancement of our young people.
” These efforts complement government’s initiatives and collectively create a pathway where our youths are not only empowered but also strategically positioned to contribute meaningfully to grassroots development and national unity”.
As a preparation for the 2026 governorship poll, Adedayo charged the youth to register and contribute to the culture of good governance being fostered by the present administration in Ekiti State in the body polity.
“Good governance starts with you, and registration is the very first step. Our voices, our choices, and our future begin at the ballot, and participation in the electoral process is the foundation of true democracy. If we want to shape the future we desire, we must first take responsibility by registering to vote.
“As we celebrate this inauguration, I also charge our students to look beyond certificates and embrace skills acquisition as a vital tool for relevance in today’s competitive world.
“Education remains the foundation, but it is your ability to combine knowledge with practical skills that will open doors of opportunity, self-reliance, and leadership in your various communities”.
Adedayo urged the new leadership to uphold the virtues of service, inclusiveness, and integrity to inspire a new wave of purposeful student leadership that aligns with the vision of building a more prosperous Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.