• Pledges to comply with FG’s decision on minimum wage

By Precious Oluwole

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Monday, met with concerned youths stakeholders and students across the State.

Addressing the youths at the Cocoa conference hall, Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated their willingness to shun violent protest.

The Governor assured them that he would continue to prioritize their welfare, include them more in his administration, empower them and also, hold frequent meeting with them.

He, however, pledged that his administration would comply with the decision of the Federal Government on the payment of 70,000 minimum wage.

The Governor had earlier met with the newly appointed transition committee chairmen in the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) and the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) ahead of the planned nationwide protest.

Governor Aiyedatiwa urged them to hold their local governments, identify the groups, relate well with the people around, especially the youths, traditional institutions, opinion leaders.

“Do not underrate anyone, be vigilant, involve yourselves in engagement, let us go back and tell our people that there’s no need for protest, having a dialogue is the best”, he said.

The Governor encouraged everyone, especially the youths to engage themselves in farming.

While congratulating the new transition committee on their appointment, he encouraged them to see themselves as one, have a friendly interaction from time to time and cooperate with the Heads of local government administration.

Earlier in his address, the Commisoner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro encouraged the youths not to involve themselves on violent protest and embrace peace.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Engagement (South), Mr Femi Fadairo urged the youths to shun violence, assuring them that the Governor is more concerned about their welfare and would continue to meet with them regularly.

One of the youth leaders, Mr Tuyi encouraged the youths not to let their emotions overcome them in the protest, as the consequences would be unbearable for the masses.

Mr Fowope Adesina from Ifedore Local Government Areas of the state appealed to the Governor to empower the youths, he assured the Governor that Igbara-oke youths will ensure that there will be no violent protest.

Speaking on behalf of Ondo North Youths, Mr Ibrahim Oladotun urged the Governor to ensure a frequent meeting with the youths, assuring him of total victory from the North in the forth coming gubernatorial election.

Tale Iwatan from the South assured the Governor that there would be no protest in Ondo South.

The youths promised to go back home and talk to other youth why there should be no protest in Ondo State.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, State Commandant of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, members of the State Executive Council.