Ogun: Solomon Adeola pledges employment opportunities to youths if elected governor
Solomon Adeola, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun, has promised to create an enabling environment for young talents to thrive and secure employment in the state if elected governor.
Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, spoke in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Sunday during an interactive session with a cross-section of Ogun youths. The event was themed “Gen Z Asks, Yayi Listens”.
The APC candidate said he would negotiate employment quotas with industries operating in the state to create opportunities for qualified indigenes.
He added that available positions would be publicly advertised and made accessible to eligible graduates.
While noting that Ogun state is blessed with immense talents, Adeola said he would establish platforms to help gifted youths discover, develop and showcase their abilities.
He added that his administration would strengthen the ministry of culture and tourism to drive talent discovery and promotion, as well as the growth of the state’s creative economy.
“Under the nine pillars of my administration, we are giving focus to culture and tourism. We will empower the ministry of culture and tourism to create a platform that will detect and promote talents,” he said.
“We will ensure a ministry that is efficient and vibrant. We will work closely with talents and stakeholders to create a thriving creative and entertainment industry in Ogun state.”
The senator representing Ogun west said although the “Japa” syndrome has become a national challenge, his administration would tackle the trend by creating well-paying jobs and improving opportunities for young professionals.
“Especially in the medical profession, Ogun State needs more doctors and qualified nurses. We will work closely with them to make sure they are employed within this system,” Adeola said.
“I will do everything within my reach to retain our best hands and provide them with the enabling environment to showcase their talents.”
Responding to concerns about the sustainability of his ongoing projects and empowerment programmes and whether they were merely political gestures to secure votes, Adeola assured the youths that the initiatives would continue and expand if elected.
“I have set a standard that I can’t go below. I will improve on my development programmes. We will set up the ministry of wealth creation that will drive the continuity of my empowerment programmes,” he said.
“We will empower more people across the state and also embark on skill acquisition programmes that will upscale capacity.
“Under my leadership, the issue of bad roads will be a thing of the past in Ogun State. No student will study under the tree during my tenure as governor of this state.”
Kira Taiwo, convener of Gen Z for Yayi, described the session as an opportunity for young people to contribute to conversations about their future and the development of Ogun state.
She said the engagement was designed to give youths a platform to express the opportunities they would like to see under the next administration.
“I hope this translates to youth participation and opportunities to shape the future of Ogun state,” Taiwo said.
