* Urges graduates to embrace skill acquisition, entrepreneurship
By Nudoiba Ojen
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday flagged off the Youth Empowerment Programme and the unveiling of the Public Service Training Institute (PSTI), e-Learning Platform at Ilara Mokin.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and prosperity of young people in the State.
He encouraged young people to pursue self-employment through skill acquisition for lasting empowerment.
The governor, who spoke during the event at the PSTI, Ilara Mokin, Ifedore local government area of the State during the event, congratulated the youths in Ifedore for being the inaugural beneficiaries of the e-Learning programme.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of seizing training opportunities and highlighted the significance of knowledge economy driven by quality education and technology, urging youths to prioritize technological skills.
Emphasizing his administration’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, the governor reiterated the provision of essential support for young individuals to generate wealth and make substantial contributions to the state’s advancement.
He said, “Our administration recognizes that government alone cannot drive economic growth. It is through proactive collaboration with communities through the empowerment of our youths that we can unlock the full potential of our economy”.
Highlighting the achievements of his administration in the past 120 days, Governor Aiyedatiwa outlined initiatives such as grants for young entrepreneurs, tech skills training for over 600 individuals, and ongoing recruitment efforts in key sectors like health and education.
The Governor announced plans to establish new model technical schools in Ondo State and reiterated the state’s commitment to hosting the Global Entrepreneurship Festival later in the year, providing a platform for youth to showcase their talents and innovations.
Commending the efforts of PSTI in training and capacity building, Governor Aiyedatiwa pledged continued support from his administration and urged the Institute to maintain its dedication to service delivery.
Earlier, in his remarks, Olumide Asere, the Director General of PSTI, emphasized the imperative for Nigerian youth to ready themselves for a competitive future by taking proactive steps now.
Acknowledging the role of youth as the foundation of any society, Asere emphasized the programme’s specific focus on youth development and skill acquisition, with notable support from the state government.
Also, the Head of Service, Mr Bayou Phillips, urged the youths to aspire to become job creators and emphasized the importance of hard work in achieving their goals.
Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye; Commissioner for Information, Mr Wale Akinlosotu and the Alara of Ilara-Mokin, Oba Abiodun Aderemi Adefehinti.
