International Youth Day: Oyetola Urges Youths To Shun Violence, Says Govt Not Interested In Blood Letting

Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State has implored youths in the State to Shun any acts of violence, thuggery and hooliganism in the interest of all.

The Governor who emphasised that his government is not in support of blood letting for any reason gave the charge when he received thousands of youths at the premises of Bola Ige House of the Governors office, Osogbo.

Addressing the youths, Governor Oyetola who congratulated them on the occasion told the youths to channel their energy into engagement that will bring about growth and development of the State.

He said the government is striving hard to lay a good foundation for youth development through various policies and programmes that will make life better for them.

“Thank you for your support. You really surprised and amazed me. This is not a rally staged by the government, and this is not a rented crowd. You decided to organise this yourselves and the outcome is this massive population of grateful youths.

“This is really surprising and I am highly excited seeing thousands of youths across the State showing their unalloyed support and solidarity for our government.

“As you all know, this Administration has prioritised the people’s welfare just as many of our socioeconomic interventions are centred on the people, particularly the youths.

“Please, don’t relent in your efforts. I want you to remain resolute in your support, don’t be distracted and don’t be deterred. We are committed to your course, and we will do more for you.

“As you all know, we have appointed capable youths among you and they are doing fine. But by the grace of God, if I am re-elected, at least 30 percent of my cabinet will be youths.

“Don’t be angry if you have not been appointed. There is no way appointment can be given to all but with patience, it will go round.

“Please don’t allow yourselves to be used by political jobbers and evildoers. Let your future be your priority. Your future must be paramount to all of you. Don’t be instruments in the hands of the wicked.

“We are conscious of your future, that is why most of our programmes and policies are focused on you. We have a lot to do, as we pray God to endow us with more resources. I am really happy for your large turnout.

“Your presence is an indication to the fact that our administration meant well for you. If all of you here vote, we have won. Please go and collect your Permanent Voters’ Card”, Oyetola said.

The youth had marched through some major streets of Osogbo in commemoration of the 2021 International Youth Day before it was terminated at the White House to solidarise with the Governor.

Speaking at the end of the march, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs and Social Mobilisation, Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji, described the walk as a token of appreciation for Oyetola’s inclusiveness of youths in governance.

“The International Youth Day affords us the opportunity of assessing our challenges and successes across the globe. In Osun, we have made a holistic review of facts and figure, and it is clear that Governor Oyetola, in history of Osun, has included the highest number of youths in governance, particularly with the recent local government appointments.

“Out of 585 caretaker members across the State, the youths who are below 40years are more than 300. This is highly unprecedented and that is why we felt there is need to commend the Governor for ensuring youth inclusion in governance and for breaking the jinx of youth inclusion in the nation’s politics.

“This is to show that we are strongly behind him against internal and external aggression as we are assuring him that those that have been appointed will surely deliver”, Ayantunji said.

At a programme to commemorate the day, the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Yemi Lawa elaborated on the state policy document which is aimed at empowering the youth through engagement and entrepreneurship.