Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured that his administration is actively establishing all necessary structures and processes to promote the dynamic development of youth in the state.
The Governor stated this at a programme to mark the 2025 International Youth Day in Akure the Ondo State capital.
Represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Governor Aiyedatiwa said his administration has consistently prioritized youth development and empowerment.
“I am delighted to join the rest of the world to felicitate the youth of our Sunshine State on this occasion of the 2025 International Youth Day Celebrations”.
“Globally, 12th of August every year has been designated as the International Youth Day by the United Nations General Assembly through the 1999 Lisbon, Portugal Declaration,” the Governor said.
He also noted that “This forum, which is meant to celebrate the young people as essential partners in societal development, is also an avenue to rub minds together to address the lingering challenges confronting the youth, bringing youth issues to the front burner and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society”.
“The theme for this celebration; ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond’ cannot be more apposite, as it highlights the power of young people to take meaningful action in their communities while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the face of growing global challenges, which include; climate change, economic instability, inequality, and social unrest, the youth need to take tangible initiatives to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 17, which includes ending poverty, promoting equality, climate action, and others”.
Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that young people as a veritable asset of the world population possess the energy, creativity, and determination needed to drive sustainable development.
According to him, “Empowering young people to act locally, think globally and be innovative for the future is a strategic necessity for building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. The process by which young people gain the ability and authority to make decisions and implement change in their own lives and the society around them is part of empowerment and youth inclusivity in governance across all levels and this could be complemented by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, resources, and opportunities necessary to reach their full potential.
“However, empowerment is multifaceted, it encompasses education, employment, health, civic engagement, technology access, and leadership development. When youths are empowered, they become active participants rather than passive beneficiaries of development. To fully realise the potential of youth empowerment, stakeholders including government, educational institutions, and the private sector must work together to ensure equal access to technology, mentorship, and inclusive learning environments”.
“This is the central focus of the “OUR EASE” agenda. In this connection, our administration will continue to explore opportunities to partner with the private sector and other Development Partners to build the capacity of our teeming unemployed youth for sustainable job creation.
“We are also determined to provide an accessible, inclusive, and integrated youth empowerment scheme as machinery for incubating young entrepreneurs who will drive our economy to the next level. Recently, we commissioned the Skill Enterprise Development Centre in Oda during the 2025 World Youth Skill Day”.
“The main objective of the celebration was to underscore the importance of equipping young people with skills for entrepreneurship, employment, and decent jobs. In today’s rapidly evolving digital world,
empowering youth with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills is not just a necessity; it is a catalyst for economic transformation”.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital literacy open doors for countless empowerment opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, among others”.
“The future of humanity and our planet depends on young people and on ensuring that they have the skills to tackle today’s challenges to shape a more peaceful tomorrow”.
“We, therefore, look up to you as resourceful assets to be focused and innovative in this regard. In addition, the government will continue to invest in your education and natural talents to enhance the sustainable peace in our State. I strongly believe in your capability to drive the transformational change trajectory of our administration by leveraging innovative voluntarism”, Aiyedatiwa stressed.
“Let me implore other stakeholders to collaborate with the State Government to give our youth quality and affordable education, and employment opportunities as part of our collective social responsibilities. We shall continue to promote investment in youth to improve their prospects for a better future and encourage increased youth participation in governance in line with the ‘Not-Too-Young-To-Run’ Law,” Governor Aiyedatiwa added.
The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Segun Omoyofunmi in his remarks at the event said the administration is prepared to ensure that all programmes aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu as well as the “Our Ease” mantra of the Aiyedatiwa administration would be pursued in the interest of the generality of the people of the state.
Omoyofunmi stressed that the Governor has given directives to facilitate all the required processes that would usher in the much-needed socio-economic and political development of the state.
