Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Monday, underscored the need to put in place supportive systems that would facilitate youths acquiring in-demand skills to positively contribute to Nigeria’s economy.
Aiyedatiwa stated this on Monday in Akure while inaugurating the Ondo State One-Youth – One – Skill scheme organised to commemorate this year’s World Youth Skills Day.
It was reported that the theme of this year’s celebration is: “Youth Skills for Peace and Development”.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Olayide Adelami, identified appropriate value re-orientation as panacea to the fundamental global challenges facing Nigerian youths.
Aiyedatiwa said his administration had concluded arrangements to explore opportunities and partner with the private sector and other development partners to build the capacity of unemployed youths for sustainable job creation.
“We are also determined to provide an accessible, inclusive and integrated youth empowerment scheme as a machinery for incubating young entrepreneurs, who will drive our economy to the next level.
“It is in this regard that our administration established the Office of the Ondo State Development Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) as a veritable platform to promote entrepreneurship and galvanise our youth towards getting the right expertise and financial support.
“This is to ensure our youths are employers of labour rather than depending on government for employment,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the theme of the event was aimed at recognising and promoting the importance of equipping young people with skills for entrepreneurship, employment, and decent jobs.
In his welcome address, the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said it was important for youth engagement at the local and community level as a key to achieving the 2030 Agenda of SDGs.
Yusuf-Ogunleye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Tolu Adeyemi, said that youth engagement at all levels would pave way for better understanding of probable ways youth social entrepreneurship.
He added that youth engagement could enhance development and accelerate the implementation of SDG goals.
“The current trend in youth population growth has significantly affected the socio-economic policies and agenda of the country.
“This among others has amplified the need to acquire high-quality skills to positively contribute to a productive economy, thus creating access to the labour market,” he said.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Mr Orioye Gbayisemore, said the current administration was committed to sustainable youth empowerment that would guarantee self-reliance and economic prosperity.
“Ondo State governor has shown sufficient readiness to transform our youths to dependable drivers of peace and development as captured in this year’s theme,” he said.