By Dupson Collins, 12th August, 2022
Ondo State Commissioner for Youth And Sport Development, Hon Bamidele Ologun has charged the youths of the state to channel their energies towards building a better society and shun all forms of social vices that is dangerous to the growth and stability of the Sunshine State.
The Commissioner gave the charge in his message to Ondo State Youths in Commemoration of the 2022 International Youth Day Celebration with the theme: Intergenerational Solidarity; Creating a world for all ages.
Speaking, the representative of the governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, the Chief of Staff to the Governor Congratulated the youth for the opportunity to witness 2022 International Youth Day.
He assured them that, the government of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will continue to prioritize the welfare of the youth, saying Akeredolu holds them in high esteem.
Chief Ale appealed to the youth to shun cultism, thuggery and vices that can destroy their future, mostly as 2023 election is around the corner.
According to the Commissioner, ” As we celebrate this year International Youth Day, I am charging our youth in the state to continue to be themselves and run away from social vices that can tanush their image”, he stated.
Ologun reiterated the commitment of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led government to the development of youth through different programmes, provision of enabling environment and opportunities for them to thrives.
His words: ” Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has changed the narrative of redundancy among our youth with his various Youth friendly programmes and appointment of youth into sensitive positions; the youth of Ondo State have not had it so good like this before, thanks to Arakunrin for his believes in the youth of Ondo State”.
He stated further that, the youth of Ondo State are no longer an instrument for political thugs for politicians, saying they are more ready to take their rightful position in governance.
The Commissioner asked them to continue to believe in themselves and government of Arakunrin, adding that they should henceforth begining to dream of a Nigeria and Ondo State that will match the standard of the advanced countries like America.
On his part, speaking with the PATH, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Engr Ajibola advised the youth to temper their anger and listen to the elders in advisory capacity, saying they must be patient enough to do things in moderation.
” As the 2023 election is fast approaching, they should shun violence, thuggery but rather play prominent roles that will shapening their future for better”.
In his speech, Ondo State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Matthew Ogunmolawa said the International Youth Day is an opportunity to celebrate young Nigerians works, initiatives, actions as well as their meaningful universal and equitable engagement.
He charged the youth not to wait to be leaders of tomorrow but the quest for leadership should start now, noting that there is no going to be any day the elders will leave the centre stage of governance.
While thanking the Governor for his support for the youth, he also commended him for his restless efforts in making Ondo State a peaceful place to live.
Among dignitaries that grace the occasion are Chief Olugbenga Ale, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Bamidele Ologun, Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Engr Ajibola, PS, SA to Mr Gocernor on Youth Affairs and others.
