Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has assured youths of sustainable investment in education and natural talents to enhance peace in the state.
The governor stated this on Tuesday in Akure while celebrating the International Youth Day with the theme: “Local Youth Action for the SDGs.”
Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said that the government had been channelling investments into the economy and opening up windows for youth creativity.
He said that the government was looking up to the youth as resourceful assets to be focused and invested in.
According to him, government believes in their capability to drive the transformational change trajectory of its administration by leveraging on innovative voluntarism.
“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.
“This could be complement by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities necessary to reach their full potentials.
“Empowering young people to act locally, think globally and innovative for the future is a strategic necessity for building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.
“In realisation of the need to promote investment in youths to improve their prospects for a better future, government will continue to encourage increased youths participation in governance in line with the ‘Not-too-young-to-Run’ Law,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Henry Omoyofunmi, said that the 2025 International Youth Day (IYD) was more than a celebration.
Omoyofunmi said that it was a rallying point and a call to action to ensure that the dreams of young people are neither postponed, ignored, nor undervalued.
“The governor has opened the door for youths inclusion. It is now our responsibility to walk through it with commitment, integrity and purpose.
“The governor has given verbal approval for the Governor’s Cup Football Competition for Under-17 players.
‘Talented players from the competition will be absorbed into the Sunshine Stars Football Club, with participation details to be unveiled in the coming weeks,” he said.
The guest lecturer at the event, Mr Joshua Olowolayemo, urged youths to be architect of change, stressing that their action should leave a positive legacy for tomorrow.
“The event is truly a clarion call and reassurance, preparing us not only to live but to live for a purpose, without solely relying on government.
“As youths, we must determine what we can do to secure and build a better future for ourselves,” he said.
