Nigeria’s Minister of State for Youth, Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, has charged youth stakeholders in Oyo state to endeavor to place Nigeria and patriotism to the nation above partisan interests to drive a cohesive and inclusive governance.
Speaking yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital as a guest of the Chairman, Oyo State Youth Development Agency, Prince Falana Adebowal during at a stakeholders gathering aimed at promoting youth engagement and leadership, Olawande emphasized that Nigeria’s future hinges on collective efforts rather than individual or party agendas.
The event which also focused on the need for a synergistic non-partisan approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities in youth development in the state had representatives of key youth bodies in attendance.
Recall that Ibadan-born Titi Gbadamosi who is the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring and Delivery had also recently paid a working visit to the state where she was equally hosted by the State Youth Development Agency and subsequently addressed youth stakeholders, artisans and others.
Similarly, the Minister, who was on a working visit to the state noted that even though his meeting with the Chairman, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Falana Adebowale, was primarily expected to be less official, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception given to him and the existing cordial relationship as well as the mutual non partisan affection shared.
The Minister emphasized the need for a collective effort that transcends political affiliations to achieve sustainable progress in youth programs stressing that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration has opened up diverse opportunities to unlock youth potentials in the country.
The Minister, who shared his ‘grass to grace’ story said success does not happen overnight and called on the youth stakeholders to key into the vision of the Tinubu led administration and avail themselves of the opportunities viz a vis capacity building and empowerments geared towards job creation and financial independence.
He noted that youths should redirect the energy used on social for non profitable engagements to acquiring digital skills on the effective use of social media for economic and financial gains adding that federal government agencies such as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and others, specialized in training Nigerians in entrepreneural skills have all been empowered with the right resources to do so.
He highlighted several ongoing and upcoming initiatives of the present administration in the country designed to support young people in areas such as education, employment, and entrepreneurship, and encouraged the stakeholders to contribute their ideas and work together to implement innovative solutions that address the diverse needs of the youth population.
He assured that his office remains committed to strategic collaboration and partnership with the state via its MDAs to advance the course of the youths demography noting that he had also been in touch with the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke on such synergistic efforts.
“We are at a crucial juncture in our nation that it has become imperative that we place Nigeria above partisan interests. The youth are the backbone of our nation’s progress, and our involvement must transcend political divides.
“Somebody said something that a Minister was brought down here but for me, I don’t want to see it as a regular Minister that we used to have because the reason why we have an opportunity and privilege to become Ministers at this age is for us to show that we must not do it the regular way they did it and we must also come down to our people.” The Minister said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of Oyo State Youth Development Agency, Prince Falana Adebowale stressed that the engagement of young people in governance and national development should be grounded in a shared vision for the country’s economic emancipation drive.
While commending the Minister for representing Nigerian youths well in government, Prince Falana assured that his office is opened to strategic collaborations and partnership that would attract more of federal government’s presence in the state in terms of employment opportunities and youths engagements.
Prince Falana highlighted some of the strategic youths-centered initiatives and schemes being implemented in the state under his agency and praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership which has culminated in empowering and mentoring of youths in positions of leadership.
Other key stakeholders who spoke at the event including the Oyo state Youth Leader of the ruling PDP, Michael Ogunsina, the Senior Special Assistant on Students Affairs to the Governor, Victor Olojede, expressed their commitment to working together to address the country’s pressing issues while setting aside political differences in government related issues.
Present at the event were the Executive Assistant of the Agency, Mrs. Muraina Adeola and other top officials, stakeholders in entertainment industry led by Tony Rowland Awobode (Don T), Association of Registered Social Youth Clubs (ARSOYOC), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and the Federation of Boys and Girls Clubs (PROTAAN), and others.