Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has promised to deepen his administration’s efforts in empowering the youth and ensuring a safe, prosperous future for all citizens of the state.

Speaking during an interactive session with youth groups held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, on Tuesday, Aiyedatiwa described young people as the backbone of the state’s development and vital to the success of any meaningful transformation.

According to him, the state government has already begun implementing impactful initiatives such as the payment of WAEC and NABTEB fees for students, scholarships and bursaries for undergraduates, the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers, and the renovation of educational facilities across the state.

He said, “We have provided nano grants as business support to 5,000 youths, engaged 15,000 young people in labour-intensive public workforce programmes, and officially opened Youth Skill Centres across the state under the One-Youth-One-Skill Scheme.”

On the issue of security, Aiyedatiwa assured that his government is working closely with security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements, saying calm has gradually returned to the state.

He said, “We will not allow criminals to have comfort in our state. Right now, criminal elements who recently strayed into our forests and farmsteads are facing the heat. While we assure law-abiding citizens of protection, we shall continue to smoke out criminal elements that may threaten the peace and security of the State.”

The governor urged the youth to take advantage of the administration’s policies and programmes and stay away from actions that could derail the development of the state.

“This administration is creating the enabling environment to project the state in a good light to attract investors while alluding to the fact that protest is part of democracy but only after dialogue and negotiations with appropriate government agencies have failed.

“Let us not dissipate our God-given talents and energies on negative tendencies. We must work together to promote peace, build community, and unleash your potential. We believe in you and are committed to supporting you.”

The Commander of the South West Security Agency, Amotekun Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, briefed the gathering on the efforts of the agency in combating the security challenges in the state.

He emphasised that despite these challenges, Amotekun remains undeterred and is fully committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and residents, even at great personal risk to its personnel. He therefore called for collective action and collaborative efforts to address the security challenges facing the state.”