COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE YOUTH INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH THE GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE, HON (DR.) LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 15 2025, AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTRE, THE DOME, AKURE.
INTRODUCTION
In recognition of the critical role of youths as drivers of social and political transformation, the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, graciously convened an interactive session with the youth of Ondo State on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The purpose of the meeting was to engage in meaningful dialogue on the state of the youth and the future of Ondo
State.
Youth participants were drawn from various organizations and networks including the All Progressives Congress (APC), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), The Lucky Guys (TLG), Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN), Sport enthusiasts (The Stadium Boys), Ondo North Youth Alliance, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), among others. Representatives from the three senatorial districts commended the Governor for his notable achievements and presented key demands.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Amb. Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore described the event as a landmark moment in youth engagement and development. He also highlighted the Governor’s achievements, including but not limited to:
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE GOVERNOR
1. Payment of WAEC Fees: ₦633 million was paid to cover WAEC fees for secondary school students across the state.
2. Scholarships and Bursaries: ₦335 million was disbursed to students as bursaries, supporting academic excellence.
3. School Renovations:
All primary schools in the state have been renovated to provide conducive learning environments.
4. Teacher Recruitment:
1,010 primary school teachers and 1,100 secondary school teachers have been recruited.
5. Infrastructure Development:
Rehabilitation of road networks around OAUSTECH and other institutions has been prioritized.
6. Increased Subvention and RUGIPO Upgrade:
Tertiary institutions have received increased subvention with steps toward upgrading RUGIPO.
7. Youth Policy Formulation:
Approval has been given for the commencement of a comprehensive Youth Policy.
8. Nano Grants for Youths:
5,000 youths have benefitted from ₦50,000 business support grants.
9. Labour-Intensive Public Workforce:
15,000 youths have been engaged through government public workforce initiatives.
10. Business Grants at Youth Retreat:
20 youths received business grants at the last Youth Retreat.
11. MSME Award Nominations:
10 youths were nominated for the National MSME Awards.
12. ICT Training:
In partnership with GIZ, ICT training programs are being rolled out through SITA.
13. Small-Scale Business Training:
A training program for 25,000 youths has commenced in partnership with the Development Bank of Nigeria.
14. Skills Centres to Business Development Enterprises:
Youth skills centres under the “One Youth, One Skill” initiative have been launched.
15. Agricultural Empowerment-
5,000 youths empowered through the IFAD-LIFE-ND agricultural project.
16. Ongoing Youth Engagement:
Consistent dialogue and inclusion of youth in state development strategies.
YOUTH DEMANDS
The youth collectively appreciated the Governor’s efforts and presented the following demands:
1. Appointment of a youthful Commissioner for Youth Development (below 40 years old), in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s example.
2. Inclusion of young people below the age of 40 in decision making process, including but not limited to Commissioners and Special Advisers to reflect the state’s demographic reality
3. Increased appointments of youths as Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants on Youth Initiatives, Value reorientation and social reengineering, Civic Engagements, and Youth Mobilization across all senatorial districts.
4. Genuine representation—stressing that youth issues should be handled by the youth.
5. Reconstitution of the Ondo State Youth Parliament to expose young citizens to legislative
governance.
6. Acceleration of the ongoing NDDC hostel projects in RUGIPO and AAUA to ease student accommodation challenges.
GOVERNOR’S RESPONSE TO YOUTH DEMANDS
Governor Aiyedatiwa, visibly delighted by the engagement, immediately responded to some of the
demands before delivering his formal remarks. Key highlights of his response include:
Youthful Commissioner Promise:
The Governor committed to appointing a youthful Commissioner for Youth Development, earning resounding applause.
Consistent Engagement with the Youth
The Governor has committed and graciously approved to holding quarterly engagements with young people to continually gather their input and strengthen ties with the youth population.
Security and Empowerment via Amotekun:
Youths were encouraged to join the state’s security outfit, Amotekun, which now offers salaries above the national minimum wage.
Guidance for Youth Development:
The Governor urged youths to:
Promote peace and stability, essential for sustainable development.
Foster community spirit and social cohesion.
Maximize their potential through government opportunities and programs.
Security Assurance:
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property,
highlighting active efforts with security agencies to tackle criminal elements and maintain Ondo
State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest states.
CONCLUSION
The youth interactive session concluded on a high note, reflecting renewed trust and partnership
between the youth of Ondo State and the state government. The commitment to inclusivity,
empowerment, and collaborative development remains stronger than ever.
Signed
Communique Drafting Committee
Amb. Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore – Chairman
Amb. Obanoyen Abiola Sikiru (Adidas) – Member
Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe – Member
Miss. Yewande Omobomi- Member
Comrade Jonathan Obatola- Secretary
