The Ekiti Youth Parliament, an assembly of elected youths representing the 16 local government areas of the state, has passed a vote of confidence in Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Ekiti News reported that the Youth commended the Governor’s inspiring leadership and expressed confidence that their future is secure under his care.
In their vote of confidence and endorsement of the governor for a second term in office, which was contained in a resolution by the Youth Parliament and read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Nathaniel Olusanya, on Wednesday, at the Governor interactive session with youths tagged: ‘Youths Let’s Talk With BAO’, held at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti, saluted Oyebanji for promoting youth inclusion in governance through adequate appointments allotted to the youth population.
Olusanya noted that youths, comprising 70 percent of voters according to the voter register demographics, endorsed Governor Oyebanji to express their appreciation for his administrative ingenuity and sterling leadership qualities, particularly his prioritization of youth welfare.
The Speaker said, “The youths of Ekiti have known and convinced that our future is guaranteed under your leadership . Ekiti people love you and it is evident in the way they celebrate you always. We have discussed and arrived at a conclusion that you deserve a vote of confidence and we are endorsing you for second term, because you have really made us proud.
“Thanks for all you have done. We know our future is safe in your hands. You have demonstrated capacity. You have shown that you love Ekiti youths. Hundreds of youths are appointed as Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants under your leadership. We are grateful to you”.
Governor Oyebanji, addressing over 1,000 youths from the 16 local government areas of the state, assured that all efforts would be made to ensure that productive and economically viable youths find Ekiti attractive to live in and conduct their businesses.
He urged the youths to develop a positive perception of Nigeria, warning that the economically harmful brain drain, known as the ‘Japa syndrome,’ could jeopardize the country’s growth if not halted.
The Governor said, “This is a democracy, we can’t stop anybody from traveling to wherever he likes, but we have a duty to create enabling environment to stop Jappa syndrome. Jappa is not about traveling abroad alone, you can leave Ekiti and travel to Lagos or other states.
“We will work hard and make Ekiti a place where people can work and live. We will make it a place where investment can thrive, where security is guaranteed and where businesses can flourish. It is about providing jobs for a large population of our youths”.
Governor Oyebanji, as part of efforts to propel Ekiti towards food security, promised to address the transportation challenges faced by youth farmers in the Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele axis, ensuring their proceeds are not adversely affected.
He urged the youths to foster unity within their groups and assured them that his administration would not politicize any of its programs, emphasizing that all citizens would be accommodated regardless of political affiliation.