Ekiti State Governor , Mr Biodun Oyebanji has pledged that his government will always place the youth at the centre of his vision for a prosperous Ekiti.
The governor said his administration has consistently proven that youth development is not just a campaign slogan, but a living, breathing priority in the state.
Oyebanji spoke on Tuesday in Ido Ekiti, headquarters of Ido-Osi local government area of the state at the Ekiti North Senatorial district youth interface with Governor Biodun Oyebanji tagged: “Youth, Let’s Talk With BAO 3.0”.
Hundreds of youth from Ido-Osi, Moba, Ilejemeje, Ikole and Oye local government areas of the state, the 5 councils which made up the district were in attendance to interact with the governor on issues concerning their welfare.
Also present at the event are, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Adebimpe Aderiye, Commissioner for Regional Development, Director General, Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs Oluwumi Famuyiwa, SSA to Governor on Human Capital Development, Hon Gbenga Agbeyo, SSA to Governor on Gender Empowerment and Mobilisation, Hon. Kemi Olaleye, Chairman Ido-Osi local government, Hon. Bamidele Adefloye among others.
The governor who was represented by the state Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Adesola Gold Adedayo said the government has not only created an enabling environment for our young people to thrive,
Adedayo said, “The governor also ensured that youth empowerment is woven into the very fabric of governance in Ekiti State. From access to skill acquisition programs, to digital training opportunities, from inclusive appointments to active engagement platforms like this one, he continues to demonstrate what it means to be a leader who listens, learns, and leads with purpose.
“Ekiti youths are now being equipped with digital skills, entrepreneurial support, political exposure, and leadership development opportunities.
to contribute constructively”.
He described the interface as a bridge for youth voices to shape policies and influence decisions that concern their future and also bridges the gap between government and the governed, and forges a new path of collaboration and innovation.
He charged the youth to embrace true engagement and always make requests that will help them in taking responsibility and contributing meaningfully to the development of our dear state as well as partner, plan with the government to propel our future forward.
“Today’s interface is yet another testament to the openness and accessibility of this administration, an opportunity for every young person to speak truth to power, to share ideas, to express concerns, and to table reasonable, realistic requests and premium the administration places on youth-centered policies and participatory governance.
“The governor, a man whose doors have remained open to the youth of Ekiti before, during, and after elections with unwavering belief in the capacity and future of the Ekiti youth”.
The youth commissioner assured that all the demands and suggestions made by the youths will be collated and presented to the governor for necessary action to further assist the young people.
In her presentation, Dr. Aderiye who spoke on the vision, mission and achievement of governor Oyebanji administration said is to make all have access to affordable, qualitative, inclusive, functional and sustainable education for enlightenment using emerging technologies.
This according to her, it is being done through, sound policies and implementation, e-learning, monitoring, providing of conducive environments and regular capacity building for personnel among others.
Also, Mrs Famuyiwa of Bureau of Civic Orientation urged the youth imbibe and embrace Ekiti Omoluabi ethos of honesty, decency , simplicity and uncompromising and integrity stand in all they do.
The council chairman, Hon Adefloye counselled the youth to plan for their future and discover themselves, saying the government providing enabling environment for them to thrive.
A personnel of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), while sensitizing the youth on the danger of the use of hard drug and abuse of drug say such could lead to untimely death.
“I want advised all Ekiti youth to do away with drug abuse. It can lead to paralysis, stroke and ultimately death”.
A representative of First Midas Microfinance Bank Limited, in his presentation 1999 full movie advised the youth to work, earn money, invest the money , know their needs, plan and borrow and use money borrowed wisely to better their lives.