Political office holders in Ekiti State have been called up to make youth development a priority and charged to establish youth and skill development centres across the state.
A concerned citizen and community leader, Olufemi Awogbemi, who made the call in an open letter to political officeholders, said that with skill acquisition and development centres, the government would be able to ensure sustainable development from the local level, and this would in turn help in the sustainable development of the state.
Awogbemi, in the statement entitled “Clarion Call to Our Honourables: Establishing a Youth and Skill Development Centre in Ikole Local Government,” said political office holders at all levels in Ikole LGA of the state must prioritise youth empowerment to ensure sustainable development of the area and enhance societal progress.
He harped on the need for political officeholders to invest in the future through the establishment of youth and skill development centres in their constituencies, saying the importance of empowering our youth population with the necessary skills and resources to thrive could not be overemphasised.
He said: “In today’s competitive landscape, traditional education alone may not suffice, as practical skills are essential for navigating the complexities of the job market and entrepreneurship.
“This is a fervent appeal, passionate advocacy, and a clarion call to our honourable representatives and political office holders, urging them to champion the establishment of youth and skill development centres in our communities.”
He appealed to the political officeholders to work together “to create a better tomorrow for our youth and generations to come. It is a testament to our commitment to justice, equity, and inclusive development.”
According to him, Ikole Local Government had a “dynamic and talented youth demography brimming with energy, creativity, and ambition,” but regretted that “amidst the challenges of unemployment, underemployment, and a lack of opportunities and skills mismatch, many of our youth find themselves marginalised and disempowered.”
He therefore said, “It is incumbent upon us, as responsible citizens and leaders, to address these pressing issues and provide our youth population with the tools they need to succeed.”
Awogbemi said the youth and skill development centre would “serve as a transformative force, a beacon of hope for our young generation. It would provide a comprehensive platform for skills acquisition and vocational training programmes encompassing fields such as technology, agriculture, craftsmanship, career guidance, and entrepreneurship development.
“Through targeted programmes and initiatives, the centre would equip our youth with the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to navigate the challenges of the modern world and seize the myriad opportunities available to them.”
He added that the centre would “offer a wide array of vocational training programmes encompassing fields such as technology, agriculture, and craftsmanship, with a spice of indoor fitness centres, art galleries, and more.
These skills will not only enhance employability but also empower youth to create their own opportunities, driving local economic growth.”
He explained that by establishing such centres, “we affirm our commitment to empowering our youth and investing in their future beyond mere rhetoric. This initiative demonstrates tangible action and solidarity with the aspirations of our young people. It sends a powerful message that we believe in their potential, value their contributions, and are dedicated to supporting their growth and development.
“By investing in our youth, we are investing in the future prosperity and sustainability of Ikole LGA. A skilled and empowered youth population is not only essential for driving economic growth and innovation but also for fostering social cohesion, reducing poverty and insecurity, and building resilient communities.
“Not only will the centre directly impact the lives of youth by providing them with opportunities for growth and advancement, but it will also contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region. It will serve as an information technology hub for the communities.
“A skilled and empowered youth population will attract investment, stimulate innovation, and build a brighter future for our dear local government area.”
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