Youth Development and Job Creation Pillar of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration was designed to tackle problems of unemployment, youth restiveness and securing the future of Youths in the State.

Speaking while presenting the Ekiti State Youth policy to the 4th Assembly of the State Youth Parliament at the State House of Assembly, the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Gold Adedayo said that Youth Development which is the second pillar of the administration’s six developmental agenda is to engender youth inclusion in Governance and empowerment that can stimulate economic growth and development.

Adedayo recalled that the policy document was drafted by the immediate past administration, adding that upon his assumption into office, Governor Oyebanji directed that the document be reviewed to comprehensively accommodate decisions and aspirations of the youths in the state.

Expressing confidence that the document submitted would add value to youth development and efforts of government to drive sustainable development, the Commissioner emphasized that the policy document would also drive inclusive engagement between the youth and Government.

Adedayo stressed that “Youth unemployment and joblessness is one problem that was staring the country in the face. Government at all levels had realized that the nation might be sitting on a keg of gunpowder if this menace is not tackled head-on.

“The policy we are bringing before you today are one of the conscious efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to encourage Youth inclusiveness.

“You can attest to the fact that Governor Oyebanji’s government has started amassing gains and has gone far in laying a solid foundation upon which our youth can thrive.

“In the last few months, this administration has demonstrated unwavering support and showed commitment to the youth development by creating an enabling environment for youths to blossom through facilitation of operational support grants under the Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises development scheme, championed initiatives to build youth capacity among other projects”.

Adedayo who assured of Government’s continued open door policy and commitment to youth development, solicited the continued support of the Youth parliament and by extension, all youths in the State for efforts at improving their lot and securing their future.

He said “Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Youth Parliamentarians, I know and I am quite convinced that the document we are submitting for you to adopt for review today will add value and bolster the efforts of government to make our youth to catalyze change. Today more than ever, we own it upon us, individually and collectively to nurture and re-orientate the youth, sensitize their passion and vitality away from vices that are inimical to their progress.

“Let me appreciate the distinguished youth parliamentarians for your support for the current government as a constituency that represent the voice of the youth in the state. You have succeeded in etching your names in gold as Patriots and I appreciate your vision and focus to weather the storm with Mr. Governor as an extension of the pivotal arm of government to push our economy and youth aspirations to an enviable height”.

In his remarks, The Speaker of the 4th Assembly of the Ekiti State Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Babatunde Olusanya expressed appreciation to the State Government for efforts to develop the youth in the State.

Rt. Hon. Olusanya who committed the document to the Youth Policy Review Adhoc Committee for further legislative action, pledged the continued support of youths for efforts of Government to develop the State.