Oyebanji renews pledge to youth development

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has renewed his pledge to pay greater attention to the needs of the youth in a bid to develop their potential.

Oyebanji said his administration “is always open to collaborations with private individuals and organisations ready to support the state government’s efforts in harnessing the potential of our youth.”

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adesola, spoke during an empowerment programme organised by the Oluseun Adeboyejo Foundation at Emure Ekiti on Saturday.

The foundation distributed various support items to residents of Emure Ekiti, including bursaries for students, knapsack sprayers for farmers, barbing kits for artisans, safety gear for commercial motorcyclists, and cash palliatives for market women.

Oyebanji, who praised the foundation for the initiative, emphasised the government’s commitment to youth development and encouraged other well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture.

He said, “Right now in our country, the focus is on the development of the youth, and that is exactly what the state Ministry of Youth Development stands for — to pay more attention to the aspirations of young people in the state. This initiative by the Oluseun Adeboyejo Foundation aligns with our goals.”

The convener of the initiative and an indigene of Emure Ekiti, Mr. Oluseun Adeboyejo, said the project was borne out of a deep sense of empathy and commitment to community service.

The Oluseun Adeboyejo Foundation stems from the ideology of empowerment and supporting the less privileged.

“This has been a personal passion project for over four years. It started in Ondo State during the COVID-19 pandemic, and over time, I decided to formalize it as a foundation. This is simply a way to give back.

“The goal is to touch every sector — from transportation and agriculture to trade and education. Empowerment is not just about giving money; it is about providing tools for sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Jimoh Sunday, who received a barbing kit, expressed gratitude, saying, “I am really grateful for this pair of clippers. If I were to buy it myself, it would cost a lot. May God continue to bless him.”

Another beneficiary, Arike Onifade, who received a cash palliative, said, “I thank him for remembering us, the poor. God will continue to bless him.”

The event was attended by dignitaries, including the All Progressives Congress State Chairman, Sola Elesin, who was represented by the State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe; the State Auditor, Bola Ogundare; Emure Local Government Chairman, Tosin Adedayo; traditional chiefs; and other community leaders.