…Initiative Aims to Equip Young People with Skills and Foster Self-Reliance
By HeapNews
The Ondo State Government has announced plans to hold a comprehensive youth retreat designed to empower young people across the state, just days after providing 20 young entrepreneurs with N3 million each. This initiative aims to bring together youths from diverse political backgrounds to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for self-reliance while formulating policies to enhance youth development.
During a press briefing at the Governor’s Office in Akure on Friday, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, emphasized the retreat’s objectives.
“This retreat is aimed at empowering and reorienting our youths, equipping them with the necessary tools to become self-reliant. It is part of our broader strategy to foster youth development across the state, regardless of political affiliations,” Yusuf-Ogunleye stated.
Scheduled to take place at Nibanola Resort in Ondo town from October 2nd to 4th, 2024, the retreat is a public-private partnership initiative.
“The three-day event will offer our youths a platform to showcase their creativity, learn new skills, and engage in discussions that will shape their future,” he added.
The retreat will feature a variety of activities, including exhibitions of creative arts, vocational training, agricultural innovation sessions, talk shows, and award presentations, all aimed at developing the talents of Ondo’s youth and providing them with practical skills for personal growth.
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In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment, Orioye Gbayisemore, shared that notable entrepreneurs and prominent figures from Ondo State will mentor participants throughout the retreat.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa will personally receive a documented policy for youth development and will also reward the top 20 best participants with five hundred thousand naira each as a recognition of their innovation and leadership,” Gbayisemore revealed.
He also announced that the Minister of State for Youths Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, will be one of the special guests at the retreat.
“This initiative is expected to serve as a transformative experience for the youths of Ondo State, aligning with the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritize youth empowerment and create sustainable opportunities for the next generation,” he concluded.