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QUALITATIVE EDUCATION, YOUTH EMPOWERMENT REMAIN OUR PRIORITY – AIYEDATIWA
…As Ondo Youths Join Counterparts to mark 2025 Int’l Youth Day
… Secretary to State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, pledging inclusive governance
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assured that all structures and processes are being put in place for a vibrant Youth development in the state.
The Governor was speaking at a programme to mark the 2025 International Youth Day in Akure the Ondo State capital.
Dr Aiyedatiwa represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti said his administration has given priority to youth development and empowerment.
In his words, “I am delighted to join the rest of the world to felicitate the youth of our Sunshine State on this occasion of the 2025 International Youth Day Celebrations”.
“Globally, 12th of August every year has been designated as the International Youth Day by the United Nations General Assembly through the 1999 Lisbon, Portugal Declaration. This forum, which is meant to celebrate the young people as essential partners in societal development, is also an avenue to rub minds together with a view to addressing the lingering challenges confronting the youth, bringing youth issues to the front burner and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society”.
“The theme for this celebration; “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”cannot be more apposite, as it highlights the power of young people
to take meaningful action in their communities while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the face of growing global challenges, which includes; climate change, economic instability, inequality and social unrest, the youth need to take tangible initiatives with the aim of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
17 which includes ending poverty, promoting equality, climate action and others”.
“Young people as a veritable asset of the world population possess the energy, creativity and determination needed to drive sustainable development”.
“Empowering young people to act locally, think globally and be innovative for the future is a strategic necessity for building a resilient,inclusive and sustainable future. The process by which young people gain the ability and authority to make decision and implement change in their own lives and in the society around them is part of empowerment and youth inclusivity in governance across all levels andthis could be complemented by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities necessary to reach their full potential”, Aiyedatiwa emphasized.
“However,empowerment is multifaceted, it encompasses education,employment, health, civic engagement, technology access and leadership development. When youths are empowered, they become active participants
rather than passive beneficiaries of development. In order to fully realise the potential of youth empowerment, stakeholders including government,educational institutions and private sector must work together to ensure equal access to technology, mentorship and inclusive learning environments”.
“This is the central focus of “OUR EASE”agenda. In this connection, our administration will continue to explore opportunities to partner the private sector and other Development Partners to build the capacity of our teeming unemployed youth for sustainable job creation. We are also determined to provide an accessible, inclusive and integrated youth empowerment scheme as machinery for incubating young entrepreneurs who will drive our economy to the next level.Recently,we commissioned the Skill Enterprise Development Centre in Oda during 2025World Youth Skill Day”.
“The main objective of the celebration was to underscore the importance of equipping young people with skills for entrepreneurship,employment and decent job. In today’s rapidly evolving digital world,
empowering youth with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills is not just a necessity; it is a catalyst for economic transformation”.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital literacy open doors for countless empowerment opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, among others”.
“The future of humanity and our planet depend on young people and on ensuring that they have the skill to tackle today’s challenges to shape a more peaceful tomorrow”.
“We,therefore, look up to you as resourceful assets to be focused and innovative in this regard. In addition, government will continue to invest in your education and natural talents to enhance the sustainable peace in our State.I strongly believe in your capability to drive the transformational change trajectory of our administration by leveraging innovative voluntarism”, Aiyedatiwa stressed.
“Let me implore other stakeholders to collaborate with the State Government to give our youth quality and affordable education; and employment opportunities as part of our collective social responsibilities. We shall continue to promote investment in youth to improve their prospects for
a better future and encourage increased youth participation in governance in line with the ‘Not-Too-Young-To-Run’ Law”.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Segun Omoyofunmi said the administration is prepared to ensure that all programmes aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu as well as the “Our Ease” mantra of the Aiyedatiwa administration would be pursued in the interest of the generality of the people of the state.
Omoyofunmi stressed that the Governor has given dad directives to facilitate all the required processes that would usher in the much needed socio-economic and political development of the state.
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