In a significant display of support for the democratic process, Hon. Dennis Ogunnaike, an aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON on Youth Development and Digital Innovation has extended heartfelt congratulations to the recently emerged APC chairmanship candidate in Odogbolu Local Government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya.
Ogunnaike also congratulated councilorship candidates in the 15 wards of Odogbolu, and other candidates in various Local Governments and wards across Ogun State, cheering them on and urging the people of Ogun State to support them in the upcoming local government elections in the State.
Highlighting the importance of youth and women’s participation in governance, Ogunnaike emphasized that Governor Abiodun has consistently championed the inclusion of young voices in decision-making processes and governance.
He stated that, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s Population as of 2024 are youths.
This demography carries a burning passion for the injection of creativity, innovation and bold ideas in the governance of various communities, provinces and the nation, with many earnestly yearning to have valuable representation at the decision-making table.
“It is therefore cheering to see the APC in Ogun State, and Governor Dapo Abiodun displays an unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of the youths by giving young grassroots leaders like Dr. Babatunde Diya, Dr. Damilare Kehinde Hacco, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola, Hon. Avoseh Cornerstone, Hon. Mustapha Aderemi, Hon. Bolaji Odusanya and many others who have been at the heart of various advocacies in their domains the needed support that saw them emerge as the party’s candidates in their respective constituencies.
“This commitment will not only empower the youths but also will ensure that governance reflects the aspirations and needs of the younger generation”.
Ogunnaike’s acknowledgement of Diya and councilorship candidates from his immediate constituency, Odogbolu,, underscores the importance of collaborative leadership and the role of young grassroots representatives in fostering development within communities.
On the state of the economy, Ogunnaike said the prevailing situation in the country is a result of many years of doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.
This in itself, he said, necessitates the emphasis on youth involvement in governance, which is a pivotal step towards a more dynamic and responsive governance structure driven by new thinking, innovation and technology whilst paving the way for a brighter future for Ogun State and the nation at large.
He urged more state governments and the federal government to emulate Governor Dapo Abiodun by genuinely supporting more young progressives to take leadership positions in their respective localities.
Ogunnaike Stated that the Governor Dapo Abiodun led administration has embarked on a number of initiatives aimed at cushioning the effect of the new economic reforms of government on Ogun State’s citizens, some of which include; the provision of CNG powered buses for transportation of workers to and from their various workplaces, as well as students, distribution of food palliatives to different households, the introduction and release of subsidized electric bikes to transport unions to facilitate intramunicipal commuting, free tuition alongside the provision of educational supplies in public schools, direct payment of welfare allowance to students within the state, establishment of state powered free health insurance scheme as well as free healthcare in public primary health centers, Ibidero health initiative for pregnant women and nursing mothers, free vaccination at public hospitals, distribution of fertilizers and farm inputs to farmers across the state, rehabilitation and in most cases total reconstruction of roads to reduce man hours and fuel expended on daily commuting by the people, promotion of workers and timely payment salaries and gratuities, and many more.
Ogunnaike highlighted specifically that Governor Dapo Abiodun remains the only Governor who has not owed any month of unpaid salaries in his over five years as Governor of Ogun State. The Governor will often affirm that he is holding the mandate of office in trust for the people of Ogun State; thus, the welfare of the citizenry is of paramount importance to him.
As the state heads to the poll to elect leaders for the 20 local governments and 236 wards, Ogunnaike expressed confidence that the electorates will troop out in their large numbers and vote these progressives into office, so they can assume their new responsibilities, and inject fresh perspectives that will contribute to innovative solutions for local challenges, and those of the country at large.
