Adebayo Adenrele
…celebrates World Youth Skills Day in grand style
…protest will lead to anarchy, says Ekiti Youth Commissioner
A non-governmental organisation, Omo Ekiti Ni Mi Foundation (OENMF), has called on youths in Ekiti State to embrace peace and be solution providers rather than embark on protest that might jeopardize the peace of the state.
The President of the organisation, Mike Owoseni, gave the charge on Monday in Ado-Ekiti at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Youth Skills Day themed “Skills Development for Peace Building”.
Speaking with journalists, the president said the proposed nationwide protest is not an action for the youths of the state to embark on, adding that they should thrive to excel in their endeavours as Ekiti indigenes are globally known for.
His words, “It’s better for you to develop yourself and look for solutions rather than embarking on protests. We should only protest against laziness and idleness.
“Allow peace to reign. What the protest will cause, we will not be able to control it. It is going to disrupt a lot of things.
“I am not saying we should not protest, but we are Ekiti people. We are supposed to be solution providers, that’s what we are known for and we should not deviate from it.”
Speaking on the mandate of the foundation, he said, “Omo Ekiti Ni Mi Foundation is a self-help organisation that connects Ekiti people to economic opportunities and jobs such as loans and grants, in order to boost government efforts both at central, state, and local government levels”.
He also hailed the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, for enrolling members of the foundation into the Broilers’ Scheme examination in his bid to lessen unemployment among youths in the state.
He also called on well meaning sons and daughters of the state to partner the foundation towards developing youths and women in the state.
On his part, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth Development, Adesola Gold, discouraged youths in the state from participating in the looming nationwide protest, stressing that it can be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, which can lead to anarchy.
“The youths in Ekiti are not ready for any protest. Every programme that Governor Biodun Oyebanji is carrying out in various ministries is tailored towards youth development.
“This protest can be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, which can turn to anarchy.
“Youths in Ekiti are not protesting; they are peacekeeping individuals, and that’s why we are appealing to people out there to shelve their plans and make Ekiti more peaceful.”
The Commissioner also hailed the organisation for organizing the event, while also calling on youths to develop their capacity and potential so that they can be job creators.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to four notable individuals in the state who have contributed tremendously towards the growth and development of youths in their immediate vicinities.
The awardees include Hon. Israel Adesokan, SSA to the Governor on Transport Management, Hon. Tunji Amondi, SSA to the Governor on Investment and Commerce, Hon. Olatokunbo Gbadamosi, Chairperson of Ado North LCDA, and Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, Chairman of Ajoni LCDA.