• Gov promises continous engagement; to consider youth policy document
• As Ondo State Youth Retreat awards cash grants to 20 young entrepreneurs

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and development across the state.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the state’s youth retreat held on Friday at Nibanola Resort in Ondo town, the Governor emphasized the critical role young people play and assured them of his administration’s continued support.

His statement came as the participants at the retreat commended him for appointing many young people as aides and providing empowerment for young entrepreneurs.

Governor Aiyedatiwa encouraged the youths to embrace humble beginnings and not be discouraged by initial challenges.

He reaffirmed that his government would remain dedicated to engaging with the youth and providing opportunities for growth.

He also highlighted the positive impact of the retreat, noting that participants had gained valuable skills, broadened their knowledge, and built meaningful relationships.

The Governor urged the youths to leverage the connections made during the retreat, emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration for their personal and professional growth.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, commended the governor for consistently prioritizing the welfare of the youth.

He highlighted the governor’s recognition of the vital role young people play in shaping the state’s future and reassured them that the government is committed to supporting their initiatives while fostering a business-friendly environment.

Also in his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment, Gbayisemore Orioye, thanked the governor for bringing the youth retreat to fruition, noting that over two thousand youths from across the state participated, adding that the retreat featured business pitch submissions, with winners selected.

Orioye also briefed the governor on the activities that have taken place throughout the retreat and conveyed the youths’ request for a Youth Policy document from the Ondo State government, along with continued engagement with the youth, a request the Governor gave a nod to.

Key moments of the event included the presentation of cheques to 20 winners of the business pitch competition, with each winner receiving N500,000.

In attendance were member representing Ondo East/Ondo West federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Makinde, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Razaq Obe and Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, among other top government functionaries.