By Tolulope Eniola
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has assured youths in the Niger Delta region of greater inclusion in governance and empowerment opportunities.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when leaders of the Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) paid him a courtesy visit at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure.
Speaking on finding a lasting solution to challenges posed by coastal erosion, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that consultants had already commenced studies on coastal degradation in affected communities, stressing that any intervention must be based on scientific and technical assessments.
According to him, the situation along the coastline remains complex, with some communities losing land to the sea while others are experiencing land accretion.
He warned that infrastructure projects, particularly road construction in riverine areas, could be rendered ineffective if erosion challenges were not adequately addressed before implementation.
The governor, however, assured that the state government was approaching the final stage of developing sustainable interventions aimed at protecting communities, preserving infrastructure and safeguarding livelihoods in vulnerable coastal areas.
While noting that mangrove forests still provide natural protection in some locations, he expressed concern over the extent of damage already suffered by several communities.
On youth development, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to involving young people in governance and decision-making processes.
He assured members of the NDYM that their concerns and recommendations, as contained in a memorandum presented during the visit, would receive due consideration and appropriate responses from the government.
The governor said youths remain critical stakeholders in the development of the state and would continue to be integrated into governance structures and future political activities.
Aiyedatiwa also underscored the importance of skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and capacity building in preparing young people for emerging economic opportunities.
He pointed to ongoing efforts to revive the Olokola Free Trade Zone, describing the project as a major industrial hub capable of creating thousands of jobs and attracting significant investments to the state.
The governor added that renewed interest by investors, including the Dangote Group, would further stimulate industrial growth and expand employment opportunities for skilled youths.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Niger Delta Youth Movement, Dennis Ibikunle, appealed for greater youth representation in governance through appointments into boards, commissions, advisory councils and development programmes.
He also urged the government to expand youth empowerment initiatives in areas such as entrepreneurship, vocational training, agriculture, ICT, the blue economy and access to start-up funding.
Ibikunle advocated the establishment of a maritime conservancy or consultative framework to address challenges associated with blocked waterways and water hyacinth in riverine communities.
He further requested a dedicated secretariat for the movement to enhance coordination of its activities across the state.
On the issue of coastal erosion, the NDYM chairman lamented the environmental impact on several coastal communities, noting that some had reportedly lost more than 70 per cent of their landmass, while mangrove forests continued to disappear at an alarming rate.
He called for urgent intervention to halt further degradation and preserve the region’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Presenting the group’s demand charter and proposal to the governor, Ibikunle expressed confidence that government action on the requests would strengthen peace, reduce unemployment, promote youth participation in governance and accelerate development across Niger Delta communities in Ondo State.
In his response, Aiyedatiwa commended the movement for its contributions to peace and stability in the state, describing Ondo as one of the most peaceful states in the Niger Delta region.
He pledged continued engagement with youth groups as partners in the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at achieving sustainable development.
Those present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko; Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Segun Omoyofunmi; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Adesoji Afolabi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Barr. Allen Sowore, among others.
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