Ashley Australia, once said “youths empowerment is important to me because when empowering the youths and future of the world we give them the power of change and the power to break the cycles that have caused the problems in the past”.

The above point is validated in Governor Makinde’s Roadmap for Açcelerated Development 2019-2023 and Oyo State Development Plan 2021-2040 on youth inclusiveness in his administration to ensure they are educated, empowered and employed aimed at addressing unemployment and youthful restiveness.

With their limitless potentials and possibilities that can move mountains, youths often find themselves as tools and machinaries in the hands of selfish and unscrupulous politicians to achieve their devilish aim.

These so-called politicians with no clear cut ideologies, policies and programmes are abounds in the State looking for vulnerable youths to prey upon to satisfy their insatiable lust for power.

Failure to appreciate thier capacity, skills and intellects by incorporating the teeming and vibrant youths in the scheme of things especially in the area of governance by the past administrations have eroded their confidence in the polity.

In view of the above, the youths are hereby urged not to be used and dumped after they might have being exploited by the charlatans politicians. The advice comes on the heels of activities of some misguided youths in Oyo State that were paid a token by some shady power hungry politicians in their desperation to gain political relevance through campaign of calumny, malicious, wicked, spreading of falsehood and misinformation,  propaganda as well as other undemocratic means to discredit the good work of Governor Seyi Makinde.

An adage says “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”. Against this backdrop, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde is creating opportunities for meaningful employment, youth-friendly policies and entrepreneurship skills that will improve the lives of youths in Oyo State.

Governor Makinde understand Roger Hart’s “ladder of youth involvement” and the importance of youths empowerment,  participation plus inclusion in our nascent democracy. With the right based approach,  he is doing everything possible to run an inclusive government that involves the participation of youths in decision-making processes for sustainable development and a better future.

It is heartening to know that youths are doing excellently well in all human endeavours such as academic, business, sports, information and communication technology to mention but a few and are encouraged to further maximise their God given talents and potentials for the progress of the State.

Our youths are therefore advised to be patient with Governor Makinde’s laudable policies as he is committed to the development of Oyo State for the betterment of all.

Rome was not built in a day, as massive roads infrastructure and developmental projects are being executed while some are ongoing with more to commence as they are done in phases across the State. This is not political grandstanding or media packaging but can be seen by all and sundry as they are physical infrastructure.

All hands must be on deck in ensuring that we all give Governor Makinde led administration maximum support so that the citizens are carried along in Governmental policies that will foster economic growth of Oyo State.

As a matter of fact, with Governor Makinde’s at the helm of affairs, Oyo State will grow from poverty to prosperity which can be made possible with the unalloyed support from the youths in the State.

In addition, Governor Makinde has provided an enabling environment for the youths in the State to thrive by introducing various programmes such as Oyo State Youths Entrepreneurship in Agribusness Projects (YEAP) aimed at training young people in Oyo who have indicated interest in agribusiness and other profitable ventures.

However, it is obvious that no government in the history of Oyo State takes the youths welfare so seriously in terms of participation in governance, economic growth and capacity development by giving them sense of belonging as present administration is doing.

To justify Governor Makinde’s clarity of purpose and love for the youths, they should in turn channel their energy and vigour to educate and enlighten their peers on the need to support and cooperate with the Government in restoring the lost glory of Oyo State.

Also, showcasing the giant strides of the present administration should be thier top priorities instead of joining the adversaries of government in sabotaging its efforts.
Hence, they should realise that the State belongs to us all by promoting its growth and development is paramount to every citizen in the State.

Oyo State youths must be wary of selfish politicians as they are hell bent to coerce them against their conscience by promising them what is not obtainable and realistic to destabilise the dividend of democracy already enjoying by the good people of Oyo State.

It is common knowledge that as election period is fast approaching, some crooked and disgruntled elements posed as credible politicians are getting ready to unleash their arsenal for political leverage. There is consequences for any action as nobody is above the law. Be warned! If you see something say something as government will deal with it.

Moreover, some youths are neither violent nor interested in violence, but most political leaders sometimes exploit, manipulate and mobilise them to initiate or instigate violence to support their own selfish political agenda. They further provide them with money, alcohol, drugs and weapons, in exchange for causing political havoc,  disrupting the electoral process, and/or vote buying.

It is therefore instructive to sensitise our youths as a future leader who must play active role in the State as agent of positive and constructive change for peace, security and progress, rather than been used as a political tools of violence by desperate politicians for their selfish interest.

Youths should not take law into their hands but be supportive and be prepared to participate in governance processes to building a stable and peaceful society to make a difference.

The youths are also admonished to shun social ills such as cultism, kidnapping, fraud among others as their future is brighter under the able leadership of His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde – the people’s Governor.

It is worthy of note to give youths a clarion call to be the agent of change and channel their voice to Governor Makinde led administration who operates an open door policy, a listening Governor who values their contributions towards the development and transformation of Oyo State.

By Jamiu Akano