As the world marked the International Youth Day 2022, with the theme: “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages”, the Osun governor-elect, Ademola Adeleke has promised to institute a sustainable youth development agenda.

Adeleke also revealed that this includes a revision of the Osun State Youth Policy that will enable the integration of global youth innovations.

This was made known in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the governor-elect, Olawale Rasheed and made available to DAILY POST on Friday in Osogbo.

Recall that in August 2021, the Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola had launched the State youth policy aimed at ensuring youth participation in politics.

Oyetola also noted that his administration’s prioritisation of the concerns of youths is rooted in his belief in their potential role in the future development of the State.

Adeleke, who stated that he was interested in harnessing the huge potentials of Osun youth when he assumes office on November 27, 2022, revealed that his agenda included a revision of his predecessor’s youth policy in order to bring about an actionable plan that is localised and domesticated for Osun.

He also promised to strive hard to address key challenges such as high rate of unemployment, hostile entrepreneurship environment, drug addiction, unfavorable education sector which are confronting the youths in Osun.

In his words, “I know the incumbent had prepared a State youth policy but it has no implementation plan and also has a lot of missing gaps. So the document is not yet the best for Osun state. My agenda includes a revision of the policy to integrate global youth innovations as well as an actionable plan that is localised and domesticated for our peculiar environment

“As youth is a multi-sectoral matter, my administration will not only mainstream youth issues across the sectors, we will strive hard to address the key challenges facing Osun youth today namely high rate of unemployment, hostile entrepreneurship environment, deepening drug addiction, harsh educational circumstances among others.”

While describing the youths as a major asset and positive force needed for development, he affirmed that their energy and expertise in various fields would be tapped into.

“My administration will introduce solutions based on the peculiarities of each youth group, such that entrepreneurship programmes will be tailored towards the needs of each youth. Access to finance will be designed to link up with each group’s needs. School access and support programmes will follow a similar line to ensure inclusiveness among others,” he said.