On International Youth Day, the Gateway Progressive Youth, a group of professional youths in Ogun State, has issued a strong call to the state government for increased funding of youth development initiatives and swift solutions to the ongoing economic hardship.
The group, dedicated to mobilizing their peers to achieve global standards and reach their full potential, is urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to prioritize youth empowerment by appointing a Commissioner for Youth.
In a press release issued on August 12, 2024, the group emphasized the urgent need for the state government to allocate more resources to youth-oriented programs. The statement reads: “In commemoration of this year’s edition of International Youth Day, we, the Gateway Progressive Youth, call on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to allocate more funds to promote youth development initiatives in the state. As a concerned youth group deeply invested in the well-being and development of youths in Ogun State, we believe that increased funding for youth development initiatives and programs that cater to their intellectual, personal, and social development is crucial for building a stronger and more resilient community of youths in the state.”
The group highlighted the significant role that youth development initiatives play in Ogun State, which hosts a large population of young people from across Nigeria. “Youth development initiatives and programs play a vital role in providing young people with opportunities to learn new skills, engage in constructive economic activities, and develop into responsible and productive members of the state. These programs help foster a sense of belonging, build self-esteem, and encourage leadership qualities among youths,” the statement continued.
Gateway Progressive Youth also expressed concern over the current economic challenges facing the state and the country at large. They urged the government to address these issues promptly: “We also call for swift solutions to the current economic hardship, evident in the significant increase in the cost of living. While we acknowledge and appreciate the future benefits of the harsh but necessary economic policies of the government, we urge the government to create a more livable and cost-effective society, including but not limited to a drastic reduction in the cost of commodities.”
A central demand of the group is the appointment of a Commissioner for Youth, a role they believe is critical to the effective management of youth affairs in the state. “Finally, we urge Gov. Abiodun to appoint a Commissioner for Youth to oversee youth affairs, which are crucial in promoting the overall welfare and development of young people in Ogun State. Our youth represent the future of our state, and it is imperative that we provide them with the necessary support, resources, and opportunities to thrive and succeed,” the group stated.
They argue that such a position would centralize efforts to address the diverse needs of young people, ranging from social development to employment and civic engagement. The Commissioner for Youth, they assert, “would serve as a voice for our youth population, advocating for policies and programs that prioritize their well-being and empowerment. The appointed commissioner would work collaboratively with state agencies, youth groups, community organizations, and young people themselves to develop strategies that promote positive youth development and address the challenges they face.”
The Gateway Progressive Youth concluded by reaffirming their commitment to the future of Ogun State’s youth and called for the state government to demonstrate its dedication to this cause by establishing a Commissioner for Youth. “By establishing this leadership role, our state can demonstrate its commitment to investing in the future of our young citizens and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all,” the press release concluded.
The group extended their well-wishes to all young people in Ogun State and across Nigeria, marking International Youth Day as a day of reflection and action for a better future.
