By Adekola Afolabi

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The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has challenged the youth to be truly ready and prepared for leadership positions at all levels of governance.
Akeredolu who said since powers are not given on a platter of gold, the youth must be focused, determined and take positive steps that would ensure their inclusion in politics and governance of the country.
The Governor spoke yesterday while declaring open the Ondo State Progressive Youth Stakeholders (ODPYS) Round-Table Discussion held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.
The theme of the event is، “Patriotic Partisanship; Driving an Agenda of Inclusion and Collective Growth”. The APC Progressive Youth Stakeholders Round-Table Discussion was a fallout of the recently concluded Progressive Youth Conference of the party which took place in Abuja.
Akeredolu particularly commended the APC National Youth Leader, Ismaeel Ahmed, for taking the first step towards having a clear and constructive discussion on the role of youth in the political landscape.
Also present at the event were, the state APC Acting Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; the Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale; members of the State Executive Council; members of both National and State Assemblies, APC youth stakeholders across the country.
According to Akeredolu, the concept of Patriotic Partisanship which emphasises the need to put the country first before individual interest is laudable and worthy of emulation.
Also, the APC Acting State chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, in his goodwill message advised the youth to always have a role model and mentor to be successful in life, just as he described Governor Akeredolu as a leader that people can emulate.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Babajide Akeredolu who spoke on “Patriotic Partisanship: Setting a Youth Agenda in Ondo State”, commended the State Governor for taking the lead in advocating for youths inclusion in political landscape.
According to him, the event was designed to educate, enlighten and encourage young people on issues limiting the opportunity to unleash their full potentials in participatory politics, adding that there must be strategic dialogue that would instigate action designed to ensure a stronger, vibrant future for the next generation and generations unborn.
In their separate goodwill messages, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo and the APC National Youth Leader, Ismaeel Ahmed, Esq, lauded Governor Akeredolu for his commitment to youths and women inclusion in politics and governance.