Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has taken a decisive step in tackling youth unemployment and fostering economic growth by empowering 15,000 young people through a series of targeted initiatives. During a vibrant engagement with youth stakeholders at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure, the governor underscored his administration’s unwavering commitment to putting young people at the heart of the state’s development agenda.
Aiyedatiwa’s approach is not just rhetoric—he has rolled out practical measures that are already making a difference. Under the One-Youth-One-Skill Scheme, thousands of youths have been enrolled in public workforce programmes and skill acquisition centres, equipping them with tools to thrive in today’s competitive economy. In addition, 5,000 young entrepreneurs have received nano grants to boost their small businesses, while over 2,000 new teachers have been recruited to strengthen the education sector. The government has also paid WAEC and NABTEB fees for students, awarded scholarships and bursaries to undergraduates, and embarked on a massive renovation of schools across the state.
The governor’s 7-point “Our Ease” agenda—focusing on security, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, power, and education—serves as the backbone for these empowerment programmes. Aiyedatiwa made it clear that youth are not just beneficiaries but partners in progress, vowing to appoint a young person as Commissioner for Youth Affairs and promising even more employment and empowerment opportunities in the near future.
Aiyedatiwa’s commitment is rooted in the recognition that the energy and creativity of the youth were instrumental in his sweeping victory across all 18 local government areas during the last governorship election. He urged young people to seize the opportunities being created, cautioning against actions that could disrupt the state’s progress, and encouraged them to channel their energy into building a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Stakeholders from across Ondo’s three senatorial districts have hailed the governor’s youth-centric vision, but also called for sustained efforts to ensure that no young person is left behind. Security remains a top priority, with the government working closely with agencies like Amotekun to maintain peace and stability, thereby creating a safe environment for investment and innovation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s empowerment drive is widely seen as a bold move to position Ondo State as a beacon of youth development and economic resilience, sending a clear message that in the Sunshine State, the future truly belongs to the young
