DON COMMENDS OYETOLA OVER INCLUSION OF YOUTH IN GOVT.*

A journalism lecturer in the field of mass communication, Olorede Jimoh, has commended the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola over his priority of youth as evidenced in their inclusion in his government. 

Olorede made this commendation Saturday while delivering his speech as a guest lecturer at "Launching, Lecture and Prize and Award programme" marking 10th Year Anniversary of the National Association of Boripe Students, NABS, held at the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State.

"At this event today, I'm playing a tripartite role as a Representative of His Royal Majesty, The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Patron and Guest Lecturer", Olorede said.

He said Governor Oyetola's priority of youth and their inclusion in his government is evidenced  in the few appointments made so far, some of which were given to the youth. 

However, delivering his address on "The Place of Nigerian Youth in Nigerian Politics", Olorede bemoaned what he referred to as 'lack of understanding of the benefits of the youth engagement in the policy and programme of action' by the nation's political stakeholders.

He also named limited capacity, skill, resources, tools, little space in the political environment, unemployment, among others, as factors hindering the inclusion of youth in government.

"According to the African youth charter, youth or young people shall refer to every person between the ages of 15 and 35, and since the continent got this age bracket as the actual reflection of Africa, heads of states ratified it", the don said.

However, going the memory lane in the Nigeria political sphere, Olorede said: "It appears there is a paradigm shift, as it's rare to find a president or prime minister who is below 60 years old in Africa, unlike early political leaders in Nigeria, for example - Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello and Samuel Akintola, among many others, who rose to prominence in their 20s and 30s".

To ensure inclusion of youth in Nigerian government and governance, the guest lecturer advocated for establishment of legal framework that would entrench political participation of youth. 

On Olorede's entourage to the event was the Personal Assistant (on Media) to Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Popoola Muideen Utility, a vibrant youth, whose presence confirmed Olorede's commendation on Oyetola's inclusion of youth in his government.