Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Gold Adedayo has solicited the continued support of individuals and corporate organisations for Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s efforts at Youth development.
Mr Adedayo made the call while receiving representative of two female youth- led non governmental organizations, BIGIF and GMI on an advocacy visit to his office in Ado Ekiti.
Adedayo noted that the importance of the role of women in the society cannot be overemphasized adding that the Oyebanji led administration also take cognizance of the fact that youths are the drivers of sustainable growth and development.
The Commissioner stressed that government is intentionally investing in the youth with the understanding that they are the pillar upon which the future of the state rests.
He explained that the present administration has therefore focused it’s energy on providing opportunities and platforms for the youths to advance their talents and skills in order to be properly positioned to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the State.
Adedayo added that the target is to touch, at least, one youth in every household which would translate to over 70 percent of the population of the state.
“We are gender sensitive, women are represented. I have a mother, sister and daughter who is a girl, we all understand the importance of the role women play in our society”.
“For us to achieve success in the State, all hands must be on deck, I can assure you that we have a Governor that is passionate about the youth. 70 percent of the population of Ekiti State are youth. My advocacy is to ensure that Ekiti youths key into Mr Governor developmental Agenda. Every home in Ekiti has at least one youth, my campaign therefore is that in every building in Ekiti State, a life is touched”, he said.
The Commissioner assured the female/youth organizations of endorsement adding that he would intimate the Governor for necessary approval.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of BIGIF, Mr Nelson Akerele on behalf of the team congratulated the commissioner for his appointment and to seek collaboration with the ministry of youth development in solving the issues of gender based violence.
While the State leader of GMI, Blessing Omotunde called for support from the state government to end female genital mutilation among women and the girl child.
Some of the other prayers by the organisations were that government should issue a statement condemning FGM, mobilization and encouragement of all registered youth organizations and the ministry to serve as supervisory role to end FGM.
