By Adekola Afolabi & Femi Atolagbe

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has charged the youth to harness their potentials to work out the best of ideas that will advance the all round development of the state.

Governor Akeredolu who spoke through a teleconference to inaugurate the second Ondo State Youth Parliament expressed optimism that youths in the state have the capacities to bring up useful suggestions that will activate the state’s socio-economic development.

The governor therefore urged the youth to come up with sound recommendations at their Parliament that will provide a road map for the present administration in pursuance of its policy objectives.

According to him, one of the fundamental policies of the present administration is to incubate and groom young people as responsible citizens and next generation of leaders.

He said the vision of his administration for the youth underscores the primary objectives of establishing the State Youth Parliament as a framework for the evolution of youth development agenda.

” Today’s occasion is therefore intended to reaffirm the State Governments commitment to the overall development of our youths.

“It is our belief that you will not let us down but justify the confidence reposed in you as our future leaders. Discipline should be your watchword,” he said.

In his inaugural speech after his emergence as the Speaker of the Second Assembly of the Ondo State Youth Parliament, Rt Hon. Smith Ikumapayi, appreciated the governor for the confidence reposed in the members of the Youth Parliament.

He assured of an inclusive democratic participation in the decision-making, and commitment to creative leadership in the best interest of the state.

“I am committed to the creation of a new problem solving standard. As a renowned youth advocate, I shall be providing an innovation focused leadership for the Youth Parliament,” he said.

In his reaction to the development, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development , Mr. Dotun Owanikin assured of effective collaboration with the Youth Parliament for the evolution of right leadership values brought about by sound democratic culture.