By Fisayo Akinduro

Coordinator of the Ondo Youths in Diaspora (OSYiD), UK Chapter, Gbenga Olukayode, popularly known as Pedro, has extended heartfelt birthday greetings to the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande.

He particularly commended his sterling leadership and immense contributions to the advancement of the Nigerian youth.

The group in a statement made available to Weekend Hope on Thursday, particularly described the two ministers representing Ondo State in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet as clear achievers.

Olukayode described Olawande’s birthday as a moment to celebrate not just his life but the significant strides he had made in reshaping youth development in Nigeria.

“Olawande’s tenure has been a testament to his dedication to empowering young Nigerians.

“Through his leadership, we have witnessed transformative initiatives that have provided numerous opportunities for the youth to thrive,” the statement read.

He emphasised key initiatives under Olawande’s leadership, such as the establishment of Youth Innovation Hubs and various skill acquisition programmes, which had collectively paved the way for thousands of young Nigerians to explore entrepreneurial ventures.

“Olawande’s focus on youth entrepreneurship and digital literacy has ensured that young Nigerians are better equipped to compete in an increasingly digital world,” he said.

He stressed that the importance of these innovations could not be overemphasised as young Nigerians are now equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the global marketplace.

“These are not just opportunities for employment, but platforms for self-empowerment that will continue to contribute to the country’s economic growth,” Olukayode added.

The youth leader similarly praised the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his bold reforms in the Ministry of Interior, particularly in the areas of passport issuance and the overhaul of Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

“Tunji-Ojo’s reform of the passport system is game-changing.

“Nigerians now experience a smoother, more efficient process, with reduced bureaucratic delays.

“His efforts to digitise the process have brought about a much-needed improvement,” he commended.

He further lauded the minister’s work in reforming correctional centres across the country.

“The focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment is a progressive shift. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms are setting the foundation for a system that rehabilitates offenders and provides them with the tools to reintegrate into society,” Olukayode stated.

He went on to explain that the new approach is not only about improving the conditions of correctional facilities but also about ensuring that inmates are given the opportunity to acquire new skills, thus fostering their successful reintegration into society.

“This is a system that will help reduce recidivism and ultimately contribute to reducing crime in the country,” he remarked.

He reaffirmed his support for both ministers, calling on Nigerians to back their efforts towards building a more inclusive and prosperous nation.

“The remarkable leadership demonstrated by both Olawande and Tunji-Ojo is bringing about the positive change we’ve longed for.

“We stand with them as they continue to make strides in youth empowerment and national development,” he said.