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AYOTIDE 2024 Governorship Campaign Team, working for the emergence of Dr Victor Ayodeji Oritedi as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming primaries in April says it has resumed campaign activities.
This is coming after suspension of all campaign activities due to the death of former late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure by Amb. Victor Oritedi.
He said he had used the period to reflect, regroup and plan for the exciting days ahead.
The full statement below! ……..Today marks one month since we suspended our campaign activities out of respect for the passing of our late governor, the esteemed Arakunri Rotimi Akeredolu SAN. During this period, we have collectively mourned his loss and honored his remarkable legacy.
I am thrilled to announce that we are now ready to resume our campaign with renewed vigor and determination.
We have taken this time to reflect, regroup, and plan for the exciting days ahead. Our commitment to our vision for a better future for our state remains unwavering, and we are more determined than ever to bring about positive change and progress.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support during this challenging time. Your dedication to our cause is deeply appreciated, and we are eager to continue this journey with you by our side.
As we embark on this next phase of our campaign, we look forward to engaging with you, sharing our plans, and working together to build a brighter future for our state. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our shared goals.
Thank you once again for your steadfast support. Let’s move forward with optimism and determination as we work towards a better tomorrow for all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Ayodeji Oritedi AYOTIDE 2024 Governorship Campaign Team
Nigerian students have been admonished to desist from all forms of violence or any act that is capable of damaging their image and that of the institution.
The Chairman, of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Member representing Okitipupa Constituency 1, Ondo State House of Assembly Mr. Chris Ayebusiwa, stated this at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, during the 2nd legislative Summit of the legislative Arm of the Student Union.
He reminded the students that at the end of the day, they would bear the certificate of the institution which is why it is important for them to make sure they defend the university in every way.
While delivering his lecture on the topic titled, “The Roles of Young Parliamentarians in Effective Governance”.
He said effective governance is a product of the right decisions. It is a function of judicious use of resources. It’s also about setting goals and making sure that the goals are achieved for the benefit of the people.
Noting that, “As parliamentarians, you must realize that by the virtue of your position, you are pillars upon which the institution rests, you must realize that your actions or in-actions will go a long way to shape the future of the great University”.
In whatever you say or do, you must make sure the welfare and well-being of the students are always your priority. The well-being of the students and the image of your university must be protected.
Therefore, you must see and utilize the platform as an opportunity for leadership preparation,” Ayebusiwa advised.
He assured them of his full support in any positive way as Chairman, of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, not just for the student body but also for the university.
Earlier, the first female speaker of the 6th parliament, Rt. Hon. Priscilla Bolarinwa, in her speech, appealed to Nigerian leaders to give youths the chance to show their leadership competence to the world.
She said It is time for the youths to be part of the decision-making process that either makes them or mar them”.
According to her, the Legislative arm of the government is saddled with the responsibility of making laws. A parliament is an assembly of the representatives of a political nation or people, often the supreme legislative authority.
“The inclusion of young parliamentarians helps in advancing the quality of our governing system, equality and equity will be achieved in a balanced ratio. It is believed that some endless possibilities and opportunities can be realized when all people are equally and fairly represented”
“In Africa’s populous country, Nigeria young people constitute about 70 percent of the population. Despite our large number, we the youth still face the challenge of being excluded from the governance spaces of the country such as the parliament”
“This puts efforts to strengthen democracy in the nation at risk of failure. Since early October 2020, protests and unrest have been witnessed in many parts of the nation. Nigerians particularly young people took to the street to demonstrate against human rights abuse, police brutality, and the status quo on matters of youth development and empowerment”
She, therefore challenged her fellow Nigerian youths to brace themselves for impact.
On the occasion, Mr. Ayebusiwa was presented with an Award of Honour for Excellent Leadership. Also, some parliamentarians were presented with different awards respectively.
The Chairman of Ilaje Leadership Forum, (citizens security council) Chief Wilson Ejeben, has donated project worth seven million Naira to Ilaje Local government area of Ondo state.
The project includes, the reconstruction and beautification of Alape roundabout (Tobacco Junction) Ugbonla/ Araromi road in Ilaje Local Government which was commissioned yesterday by the executive chairman of Ilaje LG, Mr Olamigoke Jatuase.
According to the donor, the project was said to be in honour of His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over his recent intervention that had resolved a long time incessant killings in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government.
During the commissioning, the Local government boss who was represented by his Vice, Mr Dickson Obele, appreciated the Chief Ejeben for giving back to Ilaje.
“I am deeply grateful for all Chief Ejeben has been doing in supporting the people of ilaje. This will be the second roundabout he has constructed in Ilaje LG, which had reduced the usual accident that used to have happened in the area”
“Apart from that, he has been empowering our youths in different aspects, through skill acquisitions training in fashion designing, barbing, makeup artiste just to mention a few”
“To my surprise, Chief Ejeben is never a politician or has an intention for such, but just feel like giving back to the community he had grown and achieved before he travelled out from the country. And he still remembers to come and give back to us. I appreciate him a lot, God will continue to protect him and be with him. “Jatuase prayed.
The council boss, therefore, called on other sons and daughters of Ilaje to sponge from the Chief, by giving back to their community, government can not do everything alone. The chairman emphasised.
Also speaking at the event, the Olu of Igbokoda, His royal majesty, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, applauded the donor, and described him, as a rear gift to Ilaje.
“When I saw the video of the roundabout, I was surprised, and if not that I witnessed the commencement of the project I would doubt it if the roundabout is in Ilaje, it is just like the ones we are seeing at Ikeja Lekki. Am so happy with the project”
“It is not until you are collecting guns from criminals before you are concerned about securing our society, but it is about getting a solution to whatever thing that brings about the insecurity of lives and property. With this project, Chief Ejeben has safe lives and properties. A lot of accidents have occurred here when there was no roundabout.”
While giving him a royal blessing, the monarch noted that Chief Ejeben is never a politician, and still remember his source, he, therefore, advised the Ilaje people to learn from him.
Earlier, the donor, Chief Ejeben appreciated the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his effort toward bringing peace back to the ilaje community, also thanked everyone present at the event, and added that it has been his dream to give back to the society that made him who he is today.
“It is my dream to give back to the society that made me who I am today, I grew up in ilaje, and everything I am today was from Ilaje, therefore, after God, I give to Ilaje. I owe ilaje a lot because if not for them I wouldn’t have become who I am today.” Ejeben appreciated.
The chairman Ilaje leadership forum, noted that ilaje has given him a platform to learn as a teenager for free.
He urged the young people in Ilaje even if they are opportuned to be abroad not to forget their source because the government cannot do it alone. “Home is home” Ejeben said.
Chief Wilson Ejeben is a young prominent personality and business mogul in Delta State that has within the shortest time demonstrated the cardinal points of charity which include time, essence, talent and money.
Chief Augustine Ajofure on behalf of the Uhrobo community appreciated the founder for making them proud and a reference point in Ilaje community.
Dignitaries at the events are former LG boss of Ilaje, Mr Victor Ayenuro, former leader of the council, Mr Femi Akinlo, counsellor representing Ugbo ward 4, and Mr Asikomi Olasinbo, Mr Monday Akinyomi, from Mahin, Uhrobo group and security agencies.
The Publisher of Coastal Renaissance news, Comrade Taiwo Ilesanmi Gbamila has congratulated Comrade Niyi Majofodun on his new appointment as Zonal Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Niger Delta Security surveillance (NDSS)
Niger Delta Security Surveillance (NDSS) is a security outfit recognized and engaged by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) saddled with the responsibility of combating the activities of illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, products adulteration, security of coastal waterways/creeks, refineries/Depots, Vessels/Barges and oil & gas infrastructures.
Comrade Niyi Majofodun who is also the Spokesman, Ondo state ex-militants from Ilaje Local Government was appointed and given a letter of employment by the authority of NDDS.
He was appointed the Zonal PRO of NDSS which covers Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Kwara States.
The MD/CEO of Niger Delta Security and Surveillance (NDSS), Mr Ibifuro Jonah Finuma in a company with other National executives among whom are Mr Ozor-Ejike Chibike, National Secretary; Princess Tina, Zonal Coordinator; Hon. Kelly Erhijakpor, Zonal Chairman; Mr Olofe Oladele Akinola, Western Zonal Chairman and others gave him the appointment letter at the office headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently.
The MD charged all the NDSS personnel to be more proactive in discharging their duties by putting an end to illegal activities of the oil bunkers and petroleum adulteration that can lead to economic sabotage of the oil and gas sector in the country.
In his remark, Comrade Niyi Majofodun appreciated the marvellous work of God in his life and also gave God the glory for availing him the privilege and opportunity to lead the Zonal media of the NDSS in the country. He further thanked God for giving him a divine promotion in all his endeavours.
He also appreciated all the leaders who stood by him to attain huge success among whom are Prince Poroye Biyi, Board Director Alpha 3D Company, Ondo State, Hon. Prince Diran Iyantan, Federal Commissioner of National Population Commission (NPC), Ondo State chapter, Barr. Olugbenga Edema, former OSOPADEC Chairman, Ondo State, Chief Job Omotuwa, National Head of Marine Operation of NDSS, Barr. Lawson Akintokun, Legal Adviser of NDSS, South West Zone, Ernest Akinro Olusegun Jones, Ondo State NDSS Supervisor, Hon. Taiwo Ilesanmi Gbamila, Publisher Coastal Renaissance news and other stakeholders.
Majofodun assured the Federal Government of total cooperation of the NDSS in collaboration with other security operatives in bringing the culprits and perpetrators of illegal oil bunkering and petroleum products adulteration to book and subsequently face the wrath of the law.
He finally assured the leadership of NDSS and other stakeholders of his total loyalty and effective service delivery.
The Chairman Akure South Local Government Area, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi has charged employers of corps’ members at all levels to always prioritize the welfare of the corps in order to achieve optimum performance.
Olaniyi stated this at this year corps’ employers workshop which took place at St. Mathias College, Akure.
Corps’members employers workshop is an annual event that takes place simultaneously across the 36 States of Nigeria and the FCT.
The theme of this year workshop is ” Optimizing The NYSC/CORPS’Employers Partnership For National Development In The Context Of The New Normal”.
The Chairman represented by his chief of staff, Hon. Olaniyi Abiodun stressed that the statutory welfare of the corps’ members which includes accommodation, security and financial benefits should be adequate attention as a way of motivating the corps .
In his own remarks, the Director General NYSC, Brig. Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim represented by Chief. Tunde Fadairo said NYSC was established to foster National Unity, Cooperation and Integration among Nigeria youths with a mandate to train and empower the graduants for economic growth and development through various skills acquisition and community development.
He however admonished employers not to compromise the objectives of the scheme by always reporting any wrong doing of the corps’members.
In their contributions, some of the employers took time to ask numerous questions bothering welfare, security and well being of the corps’ members where answers and possible solutions were proffers by State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Victoria Anne.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel who lost their lives when its aircraft, marked NAF 931, plunged into the swamps of Igbokoda in Ondo State on Monday.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Air Force and the nation.
He said the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, adding that no survivors had been found.
The crew members were:
Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime (Flight Captain)
Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)
Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako (Co-pilot)
Warrant Officer Abubakar A. (Aircraft Technician)
Corporal Uguru H.C. (Aircraft Technician)
Passengers
Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
Flight Sergeant James R.B.
Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
Sergeant Ani A.E.
Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
Sergeant Alafuka C.
Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
Mrs Ezeh Nneka
Godstmine Tarabina
Joy Micheal
Sunday Micheal
Ukeme David
Gideon Omotola
Ejodame said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
According to the statement, search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.
He noted that while no survivors had been found, the CAS had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” he said.
“A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.”
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said it is ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with the technical support it may require as it carries out search and rescue operations at the site of an accident involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The Bureau, which commiserated with the military and the families of those on board, said it would not hesitate to deploy investigators and make use of its Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, adding that search and rescue operations had been activated and were ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
“The Bureau extends its sincere condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and to the families and colleagues of all those on board. Our thoughts are with them and with the search and rescue teams working at the site.
“The NSIB stands ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force, at its request, with whatever technical support may be required. That support can include the deployment of investigators and the use of the Bureau’s Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.
“As this occurrence involves a military aircraft, investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force. The Bureau will provide assistance upon a formal request from the Air Force,” a statement signed by Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General/Chief Executive Officer, NSIB, said.
The NSIB commended the swift activation of search and rescue operations and the efforts of first responders at Igbokoda, urging the public to rely exclusively on official updates from the Nigerian Air Force on the rescue operation and any subsequent investigation.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft marked NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, was a 16-year-old ATR-42-500MP maritime patrol aircraft delivered to Nigeria in 2010.
The aircraft was reportedly acquired under a $73 million contract signed in March 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and delivered three years later, during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
According to reports by Military Africa, the aircraft spent almost three years on the ground in Germany before returning to Nigeria in late December 2024. Images from the period reportedly showed the aircraft with its right engine removed.
The reason for the prolonged stay in Germany has not been officially explained.
Since its induction into the Nigerian Air Force, NAF 931 has reportedly been operated by the 81 Air Maritime Group in Benin, Edo State, and has also been deployed for military operations, including counter-insurgency missions.
The aircraft was also involved in other military transportation duties in recent times, including the airlifting of Nigerian Air Force Military School students for resumption in different countries in April and September 2026.
The circumstances surrounding Monday’s crash, including the aircraft’s mission, the number of people on board and possible casualties, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the incident.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said an aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force(NAF) that crashed on Monday in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State, has 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
Keyamo explained that the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13a.m.
The minister said the aircraft was en route to Lagos from Benin when all efforts to raise it on radio proved unsuccessful.
He said subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that the wreckage had been located.
The minister said: “Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.”
Keyamo did not provide further details on the condition or identities of those on board, as search and rescue operations were still ongoing.
He noted that the control and regulation of military aircraft were outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
The minister said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on the incident.
He pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently,” the minister said.
A helicopter has reportedly crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with casualties feared.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, throwing the coastal community into panic as details surrounding the crash remained sketchy at the time of filing this report.
The number of persons who may have been aboard the helicopter was yet to be officially confirmed, while the condition of any possible survivors remained unclear.
Sources in the area said efforts were ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the extent of casualties.
Authorities are expected to release an official statement providing further details on the incident, including the cause of the crash, the number of people involved and the casualty figure.
The Ondo East Youth Council has commended Liyang Platinum Stones Limited for its prompt intervention on the deplorable roads linking Otasan, Itanla and Italuoworo communities in Ondo East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The commendation followed the deployment of materials and workers by the company to some of the affected sections of the roads.
The intervention came shortly after a courtesy visit by the President of the Ondo East Youth Council, Comrade Tomide Akinkuolie, also known as Sir Tommy, and members of his team to the company’s quarry at Otasan on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
During the visit, Akinkuolie proposed a partnership between the youth council and the company while highlighting some of the challenges confronting the communities, particularly the poor condition of their access roads.
He appealed to the company to support efforts to rehabilitate the roads through the provision of materials and manpower as part of its corporate social responsibility to its host communities.
Responding, the Managing Director of Liyang Platinum Stones Limited, Barrister Ifeolu Fasoranti, assured the delegation that the company would look into the situation promptly.
Fasoranti also disclosed plans to establish a working committee for a Community Development Agenda, comprising representatives of the company, political and traditional leaders, as well as youths.
He called for continued unity and peaceful relations among stakeholders in the communities, stressing the importance of collaboration in addressing local development challenges.
The youth council said the company had since commenced work, with materials and workers deployed to some sections of the affected roads.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Olumide Akintayo, popularly known as Egi Lumde, the council appreciated the company for what it described as a swift response to the concerns raised during the visit.
The council also urged other stakeholders, corporate organisations and public office holders to support development initiatives across Ondo East and contribute to addressing infrastructure challenges in the area.
…as council chairman promises priority consideration for eligible under-40 applicants
The Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, Hon. Joshua Ogunduyile, has assured youths in the area of priority consideration in the event of fresh employment into the local government service.
Ogunduyile gave the assurance at the Ondo East Youth Council Congress held at the Chief Oladejo Akinnifesi Hall, Bolorunduro.
The chairman, who commended the youths for their peaceful and organised conduct, said the administration would give consideration to qualified young people when approval for local government employment was granted.
He said, “Once Mr. Governor gives the nod for Local Government employment, be rest assured that we will first consider eligible candidates from your demography, as the majority of you I see here are below 40.”
The chairman described the youth body as a worthy ambassador of Ondo East, saying information available to him indicated that it was among the most peaceful and organised youth groups in Ondo State.
He urged the youths to maintain the tempo and build strategic partnerships with political and community leaders to advance the development of the local government.
Also speaking, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the House of Representatives, Hon. Niyi Akingunola, said his perception of the capacity of young people in Ondo East had changed after attending the congress.
Akingunola said the calibre of youths at the gathering demonstrated that the local government had considerable human resources that could be harnessed for development.
He called for the organisation of a development summit and the preparation of a working document to provide a roadmap for sustainable development in Ondo East.
“What we need now is to develop our human capacity and draw a roadmap for development, as serious government presence is still not visible in this Local Government,” he said.
The Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Adeniyi Adeoye, said the council had passed several bye-laws aimed at improving activities within the local government.
Among them, he listed the recognition of Owena Market as a regional market and a bye-law providing for a standardised parking lot to address arbitrary parking of vehicles on roads.
He also disclosed that the council had passed a law restricting the siting of poultry farms in residential areas and another requiring trucks conveying sand, gravel, stone dust, granite and similar materials to be properly covered.
Former President of the Ondo East Youth Council and Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Awóníyì Marcus Oluwasijuanuwomi, urged youths to become actively involved in governance at the grassroots.
He said the local government already had an Ondo East Transformation Agenda document and called on stakeholders to work together towards its implementation.
The President of the Youth Council, Comrade Tomide Akinkuolie, earlier appealed to political leaders to carry young people along in policies and programmes affecting them.
He also urged youths to obtain and collect their Permanent Voter Cards, describing participation in elections and governance as an important means of exercising their civic responsibilities.
Akinkuolie further announced that an electoral committee would be constituted at the next congress to plan and conduct elections for the Youth Council.
The congress, attended by political leaders, public office holders and youths from across Ondo East, ended with a pledge by stakeholders to sustain peace and collaborate for the development of the local government.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 4th Adu Unity Football Cup has assured participating teams of fair officiating as the competition gets underway in Ondo State.
Defending champions Ijapo Ages Stars of Akure South will face newcomers Ore Bombers in the opening match on Tuesday, September 6, 2026.
Twenty-one teams drawn from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State are expected to participate in the fourth edition of the grassroots football competition.
Speaking with newsmen at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, LOC Chairman Raymond Abdulsalam commended the participating teams for their commitment and understanding during the previous edition.
Abdulsalam urged coaches and club owners to continue working with the LOC to sustain the gains recorded in the competition.
“I want you all to cooperate with us to help these young and upcoming stars achieve their dreams,” he said.
“On our own as organisers, we will do our best to ensure that no team is short-changed during this competition. I plead with you all to present a good team that will represent you well.”
The Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi, represented by the association’s Secretary, Femi Adeleye, commended the sponsor, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, for sustaining the competition for four consecutive years.
Adeleye said Adu had chosen the right platform to empower young people through grassroots football.
“Let me also thank the organisers for their efforts in putting one of the best grassroots football competitions in place in the state,” he said.
“We must appreciate your efforts as partners in the development of grassroots football. You are our partners in progress.”
Ajayi also urged all participating teams to abide by the rules of the game, noting that nobody was perfect, and prayed for the success of the competition.
The representative of the Chairperson of the Ondo State Referees Council, Mr Tolu Akinfemisoye, used the occasion to educate the teams on the new rules guiding the game.
Akinfemisoye said the referees would strive to ensure fair officiating, while acknowledging that human errors could not be completely eliminated from football.
“As human beings, we are not perfect, but we will do our best to ensure fair officiating. Human errors cannot be completely taken away from the game,” he said.
He appealed to team representatives to educate their fans on the rules of the competition, noting that disputes and crises often arose from the bench and among supporters who were unfamiliar with the rules.
Souvenirs were subsequently presented to all 21 participating teams representing the 18 local government areas of the state.
…call for stronger institutions, improved security, electricity, education
The Ondo East Youth Council has called on governments at the federal, state and local levels to prioritise job creation, reduction of the cost of living and improved infrastructure as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The council made the call in a statement issued on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Comr. Akintayo Olumide (Egi Lumide); General Secretary, Comr. Gbenga Akinkahunsi (Spiritual); and President, Comr. Akinkuolie Tomide (Brilliant Tommy).
The youth body, while describing Nigeria’s independence as an opportunity for citizens to determine their political, economic and social destiny, said the anniversary should also provide an opportunity to reflect on the country’s development journey.
It said Nigeria was endowed with abundant natural resources, agricultural potential, human capital and a large youthful population, but noted that many citizens were still experiencing economic hardship, unemployment, high living costs, insecurity and inadequate infrastructure.
The council urged governments to move beyond promises of employment and invest in industries, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, entrepreneurship and skills development capable of creating sustainable jobs for young Nigerians.
It also called for improved electricity supply, roads, rail transportation, water, healthcare and digital infrastructure, stressing that the facilities were critical to economic growth and community development.
On food security, the council urged government to maximise Nigeria’s agricultural potential by improving storage and irrigation facilities, reducing post-harvest losses and making agriculture more attractive and profitable to young people.
It further advocated stronger institutions and transparent anti-corruption efforts, saying public officials at all levels should be accountable for resources entrusted to them.
On security, the council called for improved intelligence gathering, policing, community security partnerships and better welfare and capacity for security personnel.
The youth body also urged increased investment in education, technical and vocational training, research, digital skills and entrepreneurship.
It called for stronger grassroots development and greater accountability at the local government level, saying development should extend to rural communities.
The council further urged Nigerians to promote national unity and reject ethnic hatred, religious intolerance and violence.
It said young Nigerians should be given meaningful roles in governance, noting that youths should not be viewed merely as voters during elections but should also participate in policy development, public administration, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.
While reviewing Nigeria’s political journey since independence, the council said the country’s history should be used to learn from both the achievements and shortcomings of successive administrations.
It also urged citizens not to lose hope in Nigeria, but to continue demanding good governance through peaceful and constitutional means.
The council said citizens also had responsibilities, including obeying the law, paying legitimate taxes, protecting public property, participating responsibly in elections and holding public officials accountable.
“Our generation must not inherit Nigeria’s problems and simply pass them on to the next generation. We must become part of the solution,” the council said.
It reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, good governance, community development and peaceful civic participation, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful 66th Independence Anniversary.
