The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development through policies and programmes aimed at empowering young people across the state.
Oyebanji stated this in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday while disbursing N29m as subvention to students, youth and community-based organisations operating in the state to support their activities.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adesola, said the intervention was part of efforts to promote youth engagement, leadership and entrepreneurship.
The initiative comes amid growing calls for increased investment in youth-focused programmes as states seek to address unemployment, social vulnerability and economic inclusion among young people.
According to the governor, the disbursement covered all registered youth, student and community-based organisations across the 16 local government areas of the state and was carried out through the Ministry of Youth Development.
“By providing financial support and enabling a conducive environment for growth, the administration has continued to ensure that young people are meaningfully engaged and not left idle, thereby reducing vulnerabilities and unlocking their full potential,” he said.
Oyebanji noted that the initiative would contribute to the socio-economic development of the state by encouraging civic participation, innovation and productive engagement among youths.
“This initiative plays a vital role in advancing the socio-economic growth of the state by promoting youth engagement, entrepreneurship, leadership development and civic participation.
“By supporting structured youth and student platforms, the government is fostering a generation that is productive, innovative and socially responsible. This effort reiterates the steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and employment,” he said.
The governor described youths as central to his administration’s governance agenda, adding that the intervention reflected his government’s youth-centred approach to leadership and service delivery.
He explained that the funds were meant to strengthen youth-focused institutions, enable organisations to implement impactful programmes and expand community development efforts at the grassroots.
Oyebanji also stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in the use of the funds.
“The subvention is specifically meant to support the effective running of their respective organisations and to drive impactful initiatives,” he added.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining policies and programmes that prioritise youth development as a foundation for long-term growth and prosperity in the state.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
