Gov Aiyedatiwa charges youths on political participation

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has called on youths to take active interest in politics, stressing that their involvement is vital for sustaining democracy and shaping the future of the nation.

The Governor gave the charge while receiving the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO), Ondo State Chapter in his office on Thursday.

He stressed the need for the youths to remain visible, active, and politically engaged, assuring them that his administration remains committed to inclusive governance, urging them to see the present government as “their government” in which they can freely make demands and contributions.

“Youths must scale up and be up and doing. Someone who stays indoors, just watching TV and pressing phone, cannot be spotted for leadership. But those who organize themselves, participate, and make themselves visible will surely be noticed. That is how some of the vibrant young people in my cabinet today were identified.”

Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to bring more young people into leadership roles, describing them as energetic, resourceful, and talented. He urged youth leaders to continue organizing platforms that would showcase the capacity of the younger generation, assuring them of government’s support.

He also addressed their request for more Islamic and Arabic teachers in schools, revealing that over 2,000 teachers were recently recruited but promising that the identified gaps in specific subject areas would be looked into.

He commended their efforts, particularly within faith-based organizations, for mobilizing young people towards positive engagements.

Earlier in his address, the State Coordinator of NACOMYO, Engr. Mohammed Ogunmola commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his achievements in infrastructure, education, security, and youth development, particularly in the area of entrepreneurship.

While urging him to sustain the momentum, he said “We are not here to flatter you, Your Excellency. The truth must be told: you have done well. But in the Yoruba culture, we implore you to do even more,”.

The youth body, however, expressed concern over what they described as political and economic marginalization of Muslims in the state.

On education, NACOMYO appealed for a special recruitment exercise to address shortages of Arabic and Islamic teachers in both primary and secondary schools across the state, pointing out that despite having over 1,000 primary and about 300 secondary schools, many institutions lacked qualified teachers in those subjects.

The group also called for greater inclusion of youths in governance, describing them as the future leaders whose capacity must be nurtured today. They, however, commended the Governor for appointing a young commissioner for Youth and Sports, noting that it was a practical demonstration of his commitment to youth empowerment.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Chairman, Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Sikrulahi Adams Chandy.