We are committed to engagement, empowerment of youths - Govt

In a bid to ensure the completion of the recruitment exercise into the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme as soon as possible, Osun State government on Wednesday commenced the physical verification and documentation of intended volunteers across all local government areas of the state.

Following successful application online, volunteers were asked to proceed to their local government of residence for the documentation ahead of shortlisting.

InsightMedia Correspondent who visited Irepodun, Olorunda and Ede North local government areas saw thousands of youths being attended to by OYES officials. The exercise commenced as early as 8am.

Speaking with InsightMedia, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youths and Sports, Hon Adegboyega Adelabu, who was at Olorunda LG secretariat in Igbona, to monitor the exercise revealed that over 76,000 youths have shown interest in joining the scheme. 

Adelabu added that Oyetola's administration is ever committed to the empowerment and engagement of Osun youths, describing the Governor as "youth-friendly".

"Over 76,000 persons have shown interests in the empowerment scheme through our online registration portal. They have come out immensely for the documentation as you can see the numbers in all local government areas. We're committed to ensuring a smooth application processes.

"The verification and documentation will continue on Thursday before we move to the next phase of the recruitment."

Speaking further, the Governor's aide said the delay in the commencement of the process by the present administration is as a result of several challenges that came its way in 2020 and 2021. 

He said, "as we all know this government has done several things to develop the youthful population of Osun. Some of them are the Osun Youth Policy Document, the Osun sports festival and many more. The programme supposed to have be renewed earlier but for the challenges of COVID-19 and ENDSARS that took over a year, we were unable to commence registration during this period. So we are doing it now and we're committed to it."

He also commended the Governor for his commitment and dedication towards the scheme and how the youths have benefited from it.

In an interview with our Correspondent, Soliu Adigun, a mentor in Irepodun LGA applauded the governor for his steadfastness in youth development. He stated that youths have graciously benefited from the scheme, regardless of political affiliation.

"Irrespective of the political parties, the youths belong to, the scheme is for everyone to partake in and there has been no discrimination so far. I have benefitted and I want to thank the government."

He advised the youths to come out en masse on the 16th of July to vote for his Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, so he can continue the goodwill.

Another volunteer, Miss Lawal Islamiat told InsightMedia that the process has been free of charge since its commencement. She said she looks forward to being shortlisted for the exercise.

Ajani Misrat who was present at the secretariat said "the Governor had done a great job in ensuring that new persons are recruited. This will definitely go a long way in engaging us and giving us source of livelihoods to fend for ourselves and our families."

She also enjoined the youths to vote massively for the reelection of the Governor so the scheme can continue.

Osun State government on May 6 this year announced opening of registration portal for OYES.