Ondo State youths on Monday joined their contemporaries all over the world to mark the 2019 International Youth Day celebrations.

Various youth organisations, students, corps members and politicians converged at the Ondo State Cultural Centre for the annual event.

The programme had commenced at the M.K.O Abiola Democracy Park, where the youths, under the umbrella of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) embarked on a commemorative march through the Oja Oba market to the Cultural Centre.

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, in his message reiterated his administration's irrevocable commitment to ensuring both the human and capital development of the youth.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, whose address was read by Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Dotun Owanikin promised his continued exploring of avenues to improve life of the youth.


"We will continue to explore opportunities to partner the private sector and other development partners to build the capacity of our teeming unemployed youths for sustainable job creation."

He gave assurance that his administration would not relent investing in education and natural talents.

"I strongly belief in your capability to change the negative narratives and to drive the transformational change trajectory of our administration by leveraging innovative voluntarism."

The Governor solicited their unflinching support and cooperation with the administration to ensure a free and fair exercise during next year's Gubernatorial election.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Dotun Owanikin appealed for joining hands with government to drive the process of the state development together.

The Commissioner, whose address was presented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports charged the people to support the Akeredolu government.

"It is pertinent to note that many of the programmes of the present administration will begin to crystalize within the next few years and the more reason why this administration must be supported for the second term."

The Guest lecturer and Director of Schools, Ondo State Ministry of Education, Dr. Akindele Ige's paper advised youths to acquire the necessary knowledge.

"You must be knowledgeable to discern whom to follow and what to do.
These days, many are being misled to join undesirable companies due to ignorance."

There were goodwill messages from Commissioner for Information, Mobilisation and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo, Special Assistant to Mr. Governor on Youth and Education, Mr. Banji Adewumi and President NYCN, Comrade Toyin Owoeye.

One of the highlight of the event was presentation of the athletes representing the state at the forthcoming National Youth Games to the Governor by the General Manager of Ondo State Sports Council, Chief Wande Fabuluje.

Also wife of Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Jumoke Abegunde was decorated as matron of the NYCN.

The award-winning Ondo State Cultural Troupe added glamour to the event with a display that made Mr. Governor and other dignitaries on the business table joined the fray by dancing to the irresistible drumbeat of the troupe.

Sunday Ajibola,
Press Officer,
Youth and Sports Development.