…commends Gov. Oyebanji for Renewed Commitment to Youth Development
The Speaker, Ekiti Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Toba Fatunla has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his dedication to the urgent issues concerning the youth of Ekiti State.
He commended the governor for the separation of the Ministry of Youth Development from sports development which he said reflects the Governor’s understanding that, “If we don’t develop our youth, our youth will ruin us.”
The Speaker made the disclosure at the one-year anniversary of Governor Oyebanji’s administration at the “Youth, Let’s Talk with BAO” programme in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking on behalf of the Youth, he also commended the appointment of Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo as the Commissioner for Youth Development.
The Speaker went on to highlight Governor Oyebanji’s visionary leadership, recalling the Governor’s representation at the Speaker’s inauguration and the critical role played by the youth mobilization committee during the campaign.
His words: “The Governor’s intentionality as a leader was praised, emphasizing the substantial learning opportunities provided during the transitioning process. The Youth Speaker was the only young person selected as a member of the Ekiti transition committee, 2022. In the past year, Governor Oyebanji has laid a strong foundation for youth development.”
The Speaker expressed sincere hope that these efforts will bear eloquent testimonies to the outstanding work done on youth development in the years to come.
In contrast, the Speaker drew attention to the proactive approach of leaders in the northern part of Nigeria who are fast-tracking the development and involvement of their youth.
A call for capacity building, enhancing competences, and strategic development of Ekiti’s youth was made, emphasizing the importance of succession plans
The Speaker outlined specific recommendations for strengthening the Ekiti Youth Parliament, including funding, internship programs for Parliamentarians, and the functioning of the Parliament at the constituency level.
According to him; “This strategy would allow honorable members to coordinate community-based youth organizations in their constituencies, ensuring that the youth remain engaged, active, and productive.
“As Ekiti State moves forward with a renewed focus on youth development, the “Youth, Let’s Talk” program serves as a remarkable milestone, symbolizing the government’s dedication to nurturing the potential and aspirations of the youth.”