By our Reporter
The youths of Ogun State were hailed as catalysts for change and economic transformation at the 2024 National Youth Day held on November 7, 2024, at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta.
This was made known in a keynote address titled ‘Economic Transformation and Nation Building: The Role of Young People’ delivered by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Alh. Wasiu Isiaka.
The National Youth Day event is an annual commemoration that aims to celebrate young people and address the issues affecting them.Isiaka, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development, Mr. Rasheed Aroboto affirmed the youths as the driving force behind the aspirations for the prosperity of the country.
“In the face of these challenges, it is crucial that we recognize the pivotal roles that our youths can play in supporting ongoing efforts of the Government to revitalize our economy.
“It is evident that the young people of Ogun State are brimming with talent, creativity, and a burning desire to make a difference. You are the driving force behind our aspirations for the prosperity of this country,” Isiaka said.
In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the youth Council, Olóyè Akolawole Shoremi lauded the youth of Ogun State as unarguably worthy role models and first among contemporaries. Shoremi, who described the absence of a Ministry for Youth Development as a key challenge for the youth constituency, posited that Ogun State remains peaceful and productive due to the intellectual acumen of its young people who continuously align themselves with progressive ideologies.
The National Youth Day event was celebrated alongside the maiden edition of the National Youth Day Essay Competition. The competition tagged ‘Distressed Economy and Nation Building: The Role of Young People’, coordinated by the youth Council’s Directorate of Education and Training, received over ninety entries with five Finalists who were presented with Cash Prizes donated by Mrs. Temilola Onalaja, a member of the Africa Youth Circle.
The event also hosted the 60th year anniversary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
Other Dignitaries present at the event include the Special Assistant and to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr. Abiola Odetola; the Director of Youth Development, Mr. Adetokunbo Salami; the eight State Chairman of the youth Council, Prince Adeleke Adebajo; and the former Deputy—Chairman, Com. Azeez Adegbite among others.