By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said that the peace and unity of our nation is a minimum irreducable requirement for accelerated national development.

The Governor stated that during an interaction with the National Youths Council of Nigeria, (NYCN) Ondo State Chapter on Wednesday.

Addressing the youths at the international culture and events center, The Dome, the Governor acknowledged the incredible work that the youths are doing to make a difference, adding that their passion, creativity, and dedication to creating a better future are truly inspiring.

“It is an incredible booster to the regular engagements of the State Government with our Youth, particularly at this challenging time. It is better to jaw jaw than to war war. I salute you all for your courage, wisdom and uncommon initiatives to continue to tow the path of peace.

“We must acknowledge with concern, the hardship being experienced across the world today. Painfully, Nigeria is not an exception! For us, these are temporary pains that usually herald genuine and sustainable gains that would bring succour to us as a nation”.

“I must assure you that the leadership of the nation under our transformational President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR means well for this nation”

“This is being demonstrated in several ways, particularly in the appointment of Youth to sensitive positions. A lot is also going on to rescue our national economy from the doldrum it had been plunged over the years”

“Mr President is frontally addressing food shortage. A comprehensive food security policy has been emplaced, not merely for free distribution of palliatives, but also for providing an enabling atmosphere to increase food production, ensure availability and affordability”

“It is important to reiterate that our administration in Ondo State is in tandem with the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of Mr President. We are unrelenting in our commitment to the welfare and security of our people”

“We must appreciate that society evolves in an evolutionary trend. It is the same thing with the economic chains of production, supply and consumption. What we are experiencing is a face in the elementary economic principle of supply and demand”

“All we need do is to stimulate production and exercise patience to take full advantage of the various efforts being undertaken by government at the national and sub-national levels to alleviate hardship and make life more meaningful to Nigerians” he added

Concluding the governor appreciated the association for identifying with him “I must thank you all for coming to solidarise with Ondo State Youth, for your open demonstration of your support to our administration, my conferment with “DOYEN”, and for your unique endorsement of my person as your preferred candidate in the up-coming governorship election of 16th November, 2024 in Ondo State. These are a unique and welcome perspectives in our collective aspirations to take our dear Sunshine State to greater heights. We promise not to take this privilege for granted”

Earlier In his adress, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye urged the youths not to involve themselves in the upcoming protest and embrace peace. He also emphasised the youths’ confidence in the Governor.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of Chairmen’s forum, NYCN, Abdusalam Quadri appreciated the Governor for his youth inclusiveness in his government, youth development activities, appealing for more support for the youths.

Also speaking, the National President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ambassador Sokubo Sara-Igbe Sokubo expressed the youths’ support for his administration, stressing that God is involved in his leadership. He assured the Governor of great victory in the forth coming gubernatorial election.

Hon. Babatunde Omomewo commended the Governor for prioritizing the youths’ welfare. He urged the youths to continue to be good ambassadors of the State.

The chairman of the occasion and former National President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Dr Yakub Shandam, encouraged the youths to be united and build themselves for the future.

The highlight of the event included endorsement of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy and decoration as the Grand Patron of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter.

In attendance were ; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, Commisoner for culture and tourism, Alhaji Rasheed Badmus, Commisoner for physical planning and Urban Development, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi, Commisoner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, among other top government functionaries.