Oyebanji’s youths development agenda ignites hope for greater Ekiti. By Rasaq Ibrahim
_Youth development has taken a centre stage in Ekiti with the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji implementing strategic and multifaceted strategies to empower young people and unlock their potentials to the fullest, writes Rasaq Ibrahim…._
Without any modicum of doubt, Youths are the solid foundation of both positive and negative picture of any society. The future of any society is inextricably link to the development and empowerment of its young people. Their energies, inventiveness, character and orientation define pace of development of a nation.
As the drivers of innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and social change, thr youth possess the potential to transform their communities and shape the course of history. Through their creative talents and innovative minds, a nation makes giant strides in economic development.
On the contrary, the countries which fail to realize the importance of the youth lag behind in every aspects of life.Any nation that denies its youth necessary enabling environment to participate in the process of nation- building merely does so at its own perils.
It is in the reality of this that Governor Biodun Oyebanji have made concerted efforts in galvanizing well synchronized and integrated approaches in putting in place youth development structures with a very high propensity to be a catalyst for development in Ekiti state.
In a nation where only few public officials achieve a level of impact that resonates deeply with lives of citizens, particularly the youth, Oyebanji has emerged as an inspiring example of hope, innovation, and responsiveness in governance.
The governor doesn’t hide his glowing passion and unquenchable love for youth development.This propelled him to make youth development and job creation a critical pillar in his administration policy thrust.
His avowed commitment to excellence and dedication to the welfare of young people has earned Oyebanji a reputation as a champion of youth development and a beacon of hope for Ekiti State.
For many, Ekiti State is on the cusp of a youth development revolution. When he assumed office on October 2022 through the people’s mandate, the governor did something that was very enigmatic. He removed Sport section from the Ministry of Youth and made it an independent Commission. This lofty action makes the Ministry of Youth to be fully independent to superintend over the youth affairs.
The governor was circumspect of the Nigerian factors that are capable of thwarting his vision. To make his actions fecund, Oyebanji appointed a competent Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adesola Adedayo, to man the post and drive his vision in this thematic area of focus.
Unarguably, the present government has succeeded in ramping up democratic gains for youths, because Adedayo has strong networks across youth groups in the country. This he had leveraged on to ignites a future of opportunities for the youths by introducing several initiatives aimed at empowering young people and unlocking their potential.
At the forefront of this agenda is the “Youth Let’s Talk With BAO” programme, a periodic engagement initiative that provides a platform for robust dialogue between the governor and Ekiti youths. This innovative approach has enabled Oyebanji to connect with young people, understand their challenges, and develop tailored solutions to address them. The program has been hailed as a game-changer, providing young people with a voice and a sense of belonging.
At the maiden edition of the programme in 2023, Governor Oyebanji promised to make youth fulcrum of his government in terms of job creation, empowerment, governance and political appointments. All these have started coming to manifestations by way of dividends and recognition being savoured by youth.
The second edition of this interactive engagement was held on July 3, 2024. The initiative will soon be replicated across all 16 local governments, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) to really expand the scope to the grassroots.
Job creation is another critical area of focus for the Oyebanji administration. To date, over 20,000 jobs have been created for Ekiti youths,including 4,000 employed into the civil service and 1,000 engaged in commercial farming. The Adire Ekiti Hub, a brainchild of the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, had trained as well as empowered about 1,000 in the making of the Adire local fabrics.
The state government had also through partnerships with banks secured soft loans for thousands of graduates to drive his vision in Medium and Small Scale Business Enterprises to stop dependence on white collar jobs, among other lofty initiatives being devised to halt redundancy within their ranks.
The government also created a data bank for all unemployed youth, so that the government can be adequately guided on how to get them fixed based on available opportunities and in line with their potentials.
The establishment of a Youth Resource/ Job Centre has also provided a one-stop-shop for the youths to access resources, and job opportunities. This initiative has not only provided job opportunities but also equipped young people with the skills and training needed to succeed in the workforce.
In addition, the Oyebanji administration has expanded bursary and scholarship schemes, increasing the bursary award by 100% and disbursing scholarships to Ekiti indigenes at the Nigerian Law School. This commitment to education has ensured that young people from Ekiti State have access to quality education, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.
Strategic partnerships have also been forged with various organizations in the country to empower youths in areas such as Adire making, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. These collaborations have not only provided young people with valuable skills and training but also enabled them to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
For instance, the partnership with the Industrial Training Fund has enabled over 2,000 youths to benefit from the Supa Artisan Programme, gaining valuable skills and enhancing their employability.
The Oyebanji administration has also prioritized the welfare and well-being of young people. The establishment of a Youth Parliament has provided a platform for young people to engage in leadership training, education, and civic activities. This initiative has not only empowered young people but also ensured that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
Governor Oyebanji’s administration has also made giant strides in enhancing social responsibilities, particularly among youth. One notable project is the construction of 90 units of toilet facilities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Emure Ekiti, aimed at improving infrastructure and hygiene conditions for youth corps members ¹.
The government has also initiated a consultative engagement with higher institutions in Ekiti to address student needs and curb violent conduct. Furthermore, the government has provided financial empowerment to youth engaging in leather shoe making, promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Other initiatives include the Ekiti Broiler Production Scheme, empowering youth in bee-keeping, and a partnership with WEMA BANK to train 100,000 youth and students in MSMEs. The Ministry has also established a forum for security/youth engagement, fostering unity and promoting mutual understanding between security agencies and youth.
In addition, the Ekiti Youth Parliament has been strengthened through a training program, providing leadership knowledge, education, and enhanced public speaking skills for youth parliamentarians. Governor Oyebanji has promised adequate funding for youth-friendly policies, offering hope for a better future.
Governor Oyebanji’s youth development agenda is more than just a series of initiatives but rather a vision for a better future, one that is built on the principles inclusivity, opportunity, and growth. His
commitment to youth development is a testament to his administration’s focus on creating a brighter future for Ekiti State.
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