By Ismail Omipidan
Today in Lagos, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun, attended the Southwest stakeholders’ meeting, where leaders and governors from the region, discussed the #ENDSARS protest, its aftermath in the Southwest region and the way forward.
The meeting, which was attended by other South West Governors; the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Ministers from the region; the IGP; DG of DSS; Obas; security officials; and some FG officials noted that the #EndSARS protest had awakened Nigerian youths to their civic power; as such there was need to positively convert that power to the nation’s advantage.
The meeting also noted that, with their huge population and the technological advantage, Nigerian youths constitute a major political force that cannot be taken for granted.
To this end, the meeting stressed the need for leaders to urgently fashion out ways of not only catering for the interests of the young people in governance, but also ensuring their active inclusion in the development process.
As a youth-friendly administration, the Government of the State of Osun has developed a robust Youth Policy christened ‘The 4 Es’ — Youth Empowerment, Youth Engagement, Youth Entrepreneurship & Youth Education. Government shall soon unveil the policy and work towards its full implementation.
Also, in the State’s 2021 Budget, which will go to the House of Assembly this week, Government has designed programmes for the engagement of Osun youths in Agriculture, Mining, ICT, Commerce and Culture and Tourism, among others.
The Oyetola Administration remains committed to the growth and development of our young people.
Omipidan is the Chief Press Secretary to the Osun State Governor