Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has said that the government may not be able to prepare future for the Nigerian youths, but the government at all levels can prepare the youth for the future.
Gov. Makinde made this known at the Students’ Legislative Summit organised by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin.
The event was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, in conjunction with the Students’ Representative Council, University of Ibadan, with the theme; “Roles of quality legislation in nation building.”
Makinde declared that Nigerian youths must become more actively involved in governance by increasing their participation and exposure in politics.
The governor commended Ogundoyin for bringing leaders together to rub minds with youths to stimulate and produce the next set of leaders.
“I am here this afternoon to encourage the youth, we may not be able to prepare the future for the youth, but we can prepare the youth for the future.
“Please, don’t see this event as just an opportunity to look at the issue of leadership in this country. And, in me, Seyi Makinde, the youth have an ally and we will prepare the leaders of the next generation amongst the youth.
“You should dream big; people have ruled this country at very tender ages. So, for you, don’t think that at 29 or 30, you are too young to rule and I am glad, because this is almost like catching them early.
“So, I am glad that with Debo’s trajectory and with this summit, we are moving towards the trajectory where young leaders are now thinking in terms of bridging the leadership vacuum in our country,” Makinde said.
While Speaking on the theme of the Summit, the convener, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, explained that the objectives are to educate students about the legislative process and its significance in shaping national development.
To encourage them to critically analyse the impact of existing legislations on various aspects of the society, such as education, healthcare, and the economy.
“Supporting youth development has always been of great priority to me. This is not because I’m a youth myself, but because I believe that youth development is essential for present and future national development.
“Through education and learning opportunities, mentorship and guidance and a strong sense of belonging and community involvement.
“These I believe are the 3 most important components of youth development, and this is the reason why we are all gathered here today,” he said.
In his keynote address, the President of the Senate, 8th National Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to the Plateau State Governor, Dr Golu Timothy, emphasised the roles of quality legislation in nation-building.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Speaker of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union’s Students’ Representative Council, Rt. Honourable Olamide Omotunde, appreciated Governor Makinde for being a friendly governor
He also thanked him for his remarkable contributions to students union governments and students associations in the state with the recent donation of 28 buses.
Speaking to journalists, the Minister of State for Youths, Ayodele Olawande charged Nigerian youths to maximise the opportunity they have and engage actively in governance with a view to changing the narratives.
“It is time for us to feel the government, to see the government and to touch the government.
“Let us make use of this time let engage ourselves let know what we want let know what we don’t want let forget about the past.
“The next thing is the solution, and that is what we are preaching,” Olawande stated
The event had in attendance the Speakers of Osun and Ekiti states’ Houses of Assembly, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, among others.