The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to deploy the instrumentality of good governance to tame the recurrent cases of migration of youths abroad and to other states of the Federation considered as more economically viable.
Governor Oyebanji urged the youths to grow good mental perception about Nigeria, saying the economically dangerous brain drain codenamed ‘Jappa syndrome’ could endanger the country’s growth, if not halted.
Oyebanji spoke on Wednesday, at an interactive session with youths christened: ‘Youths Let’s Talk With BAO’, held at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti.
The Governor spoke just as the youths, through the Youth Parliament, an assembly of elected youths representing the 16 local government areas of the state passed a vote of confidence on the Governor for what they described as his inspiring leadership adding that their future is secured under his care.
Addressing the youths numbering over 1,000 drawn from the 16 local government areas of the state, Oyebanji said no efforts will be spared to ensure that productive and economically viable youths find Ekiti attractive to live in and do their businesses.
“This is a democracy, we can’t stop anybody from traveling to wherever he likes, but we have a duty to create enabling environment to stop Jappa syndrome. Jappa is not about traveling abroad alone, you can leave Ekiti and travel to Lagos or other states.
“We will work hard and make Ekiti a place where people can work and live. We will make it a place where investment can thrive, where security is guaranteed and where businesses can flourish. It is about providing jobs for a large population of our youths”.
Commenting on the recent killings of some people in Ado Ekiti metropolis, the Governor urged the youths to shun cultism, drug abuse and senseless killings of innocent souls, warning that perceiving Nigeria as a failed State could be pernicious to their future.
As part of the measures to propel Ekiti to food security status, Oyebanji promised to solve the problem of transportation being experienced by youth farmers operating along Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele axis, saying it won’t allow this to affect their proceeds adversely.
Urging the youths to foster the spirit of unity among their groups, Oyebanji promised that his government won’t politicise any of its programmes, stressing that all the citizens will be accommodated regardless of political affiliations.
In their vote of confidence and endorsement of the governor for a second term in office, which was contained in a resolution by the Youth Parliament and read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Nathaniel Olusanya, saluted Oyebanji for promoting youth inclusion in governance through adequate appointments allotted to the youth population.
Olusanya said the youths, which comprise 70 percent of voters going by demography contained in the voters register, endorsed Governor Oyebanji to demonstrate their appreciation for his stunning administrative ingenuity and sterling leadership qualities, especially for prioritising the welfare of the youth population.
“The youths of Ekiti have known and convinced that our future is guaranteed under your leadership . Ekiti people love you and it is evident in the way they celebrate you always. We have discussed and arrived at a conclusion that you deserve a vote of confidence and we are endorsing you for second term, because you have really made us proud.
“Thanks for all you have done. We know our future is safe in your hands. You have demonstrated capacity. You have shown that you love Ekiti youths. Hundreds of youths are appointed as Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants under your leadership. We are grateful to you”.
Earlier in his submission, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Gold Adedayo, asserted that the interaction was not just a mere jamboree, but a veritable platform to build a strong and dependable future for the state, by enhancing the capacity of youth population.
“I am happy that Governor Oyebanji built a modern youth Centre comprising internet facilities to boost the potentials of our youths, besides appointing many youths as Special Advisers, Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants.
“We are happy with the office of the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji for promoting textile industry through the establishment of Adire Hub where many youths have been trained on how to own businesses of their own. I appeal to our youths to patronise these locally made products”, the Commissioner added.
