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Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the Osun State in Southwest Nigeria has pledged greater youths involvement and better representation in governance.
He made the assertion during a ‘thank you’ 20-kilometer march by hundreds of youths to the governor in commemoration of 2021 edition of the International Youth Day.
Receiving the youths at his office, Oyetola expressed delight in the youths ‘reciprocal gestures, saying his administration’s prioritisation of their concerns is rooted in his belief that the future of the State belongs to them.
He charged them to embrace peace and pursue developmental objectives in the interest of the State, stressing that his political ambition is not worth the blood of any Osun youth.
“Thank you for your support. This is really surprising and I am highly excited seeing thousands of youths across the State showing their unalloyed support and solidarity for the government.
“As you all know, this administration has prioritised the people’s welfare just as many of our socioeconomic interventions are centred on the people, particularly the youths.
“As you all know, we have appointed capable youths among you and they are doing fine. But by the grace of God, if I am re-elected, at least 30 percent of my cabinet will be youths.
“Don’t be angry if you have not been appointed. There is no way appointment can be given to all but with patience, it will go round. Please don’t allow yourselves to be used by political jobbers and evildoers. Let your future be your priority.
“Your presence is an indication to the fact that our administration meant well for you. If all of you here vote, we have won. Please go and collect your Permanent Voters’ Card”, Oyetola said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs and Social Mobilisation, Mr Kehinde Ayantunji described the walk as a token of appreciation for Oyetola’s inclusiveness of youths in governance.
He noted the International Youth Day affords the youths the opportunity of assessing their challenges and successes across the globe.
“In Osun, we have made a holistic review of facts and figure, and it is clear that Governor Oyetola, in history of Osun, has included the highest number of youths in governance, particularly with the recent local government appointments.
“Out of 585 caretaker members across the State, the youths who are below 40years are more than 300. This is highly unprecedented and that is why we felt there is need to commend the Governor for ensuring youth inclusion in governance and for breaking the jinx of youth inclusion in the nation’s politics.
“We are assuring him that those that have been appointed will surely deliver”, Ayantunji said.
Thousands of Osun Youths had embarked on a 20-kilometer solidarity walk from Ayetoro area of the State Capital, to the State Government Secretariat, Abere to reinforce their support for the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Lateefah Ibrahim
