…as Governor promises 30% youth representation in government
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun has assured greater youths involvement and better representation in governance with a promise that youths will occupy about 30 percent of his cabinet if re-elected.
This is as thousands of Osun youths marched to pay ‘thank you visit’ to the governor in commemoration of 2021 edition of the International Youth Day.
Oyetola, while receiving Osun youths at his office after the 20- kilometer march, expressed delight in the youths’ reciprocal gestures, adding that his administration’s prioritisation of the concerns of youths is rooted in his believe in the future of the State.
He also charged the youths to embrace peace and pursue developmental objectives in the interest of the State, adding that he didn’t want any life to be lost to political violence.
“This is not a rally staged by the government, and this is not a rented crowd. You decided to organise yourselves and the outcome is this massive population of grateful youths.
“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.
“Please, don’t relent in your efforts. I want you to remain resolute in your support, don’t be distracted and don’t be deterred. We are committed to your cause, and to do more for you.
“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.
“We are conscious of your future, that is why most of our programmes and policies are focused on you. We have a lot to do, as we pray God to endow us with more resources. I am really happy for your large turnout,” Oyetola said.
Speaking at the end of the march, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs and Social Mobilisation, Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji, described the walk as a token of appreciation for Oyetola’s inclusiveness of youths in governance.
“The International Youth Day affords us the opportunity of assessing our 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 exclusion in the nation’s politics.
“This is to show that we are strongly behind him against internal and external aggression and we are assuring him that those that have been appointed will surely deliver”, Ayantunji said.
The solidarity walk took off from Ayetoro area of the state capital, to the State Government Secretariat, Abere to reinforce their support for the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
