By Ademola Orunbon
The Ogun State Government has given out subventions to registered Uniformed Voluntary Youth Organisations, as part of its determination to strengthen and empower them to be for self-reliant.
Speaking while handing over the subvention to the organisations at an event to commemorate the 2021 International Youth Day today in Abeokuta, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, emphasised that young people formed the fulcrum of the world’s population and they have potentials of taking the economy of the country to greater height, if given adequate and necessary support.
Kehinde, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Mr. Olugbega Arowora, noted that the theme for the day, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human Planetary Health” was apt, stressing that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration programmes are geared towards empowering the youth, while encouraging them in the area of food production.
“The present administration has greatly encouraged youths in the area of food production by engaging them in rice, cassava and cotton production, poultry farming, under its Anchor borrower’s programme, which is to boost sustainable food production for the society and empower the youths”, the Commissioner stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Olayiwola Abiodun explained that the subventions given to the youth organisations is to motivate them to embark on acquisition of skills and trainings for their members, saying it would help them to be more useful to the environment.
Also speaking, Chairman of the State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Abduljabar Ayelaagbe appreciated the State government for addressing the plight of Ogun youth, promising that his members would continue to imbibe and exhibit sportsmanship spirit that the State is known for.
Delivering a lecture titled ‘Youth Prospects in Agriculture’, Director Tree Crops and Rural Development Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. James Oyesola advised the youth to see agriculture as alternative to oil, noting that if well cultivated could boost the State’s economy.
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Coordinator of the Girls Guides Brigade, Mrs. Moyo Adeyemi, lauded the State government for the subvention, saying it would go a long way in assisting them in their programmes.