By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

In its determination to engage unemployed youth and take them off the streets, the Osun State Government is set to explore opportunities in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance job creation.

To this end, the State Government announced that it will deploy ICT to assist the many young people who want to take advantage of this opportunity to advance their skills and potentials in various sectors of the economy.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo through his Spokesperson, Mallam Rasheed Olawale.

The Governor promised to expand governance consultation with stakeholders, such as civil societies, students, and youth, to generate ideas on how to fully exploit the opportunities embedded in ICT.

He added that the Ministry of Science and Innovation has also been tasked with producing an implementation plan for the recently amended and approved State ICT Policy and State Innovation Policy to widen the space for youth engagement.

“Our government recognises the deployment of ICT for job creation and youth engagement. Hence, we recently approved state ICT and Tech Innovation policies.

“The relevant ministry is expected to prepare for implementation, especially for job creation among our teeming youth.

“All over the world, Tech Innovation is a major focus and a significant economic driver. We are determined to help our youth explore the boundless opportunities in the sector to create more jobs and improve our economy.

“We are committed to this and will not back down,” the Governor stated.

On education, the Governor said the state will commence the second phase of bursary awards to students in tertiary institutions.

Preparations are in top gear to begin the payment of the second phase of bursary awards to students of Osun origin to assist them in furthering their studies.

This was made known by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in a statement released in Osogbo through his Spokesperson, Mallam Rasheed Olawale.

The Governor stated that, having completed the first phase, the State Government is already working on the second phase, while assuring Osun students that their welfare is a priority.

He emphasized that the present administration will always place issues concerning youth and students at the forefront.

He noted that the future of every society lies in the hands of students and youth, and therefore, their future should be secured.

He explained that through this programme, hidden talents that could help them stand on their own without seeking white-collar jobs will be discovered, stressing that the aim is to create more private jobs for economic growth.

“We are committed to supporting the education of youth in various institutions. We have a programme in the pipeline for students in tertiary institutions, a talent hunt programme to be implemented with student leadership in the state.

“As a government, we have ambitious plans that will secure the future of our youth. The future of this state is in their hands, and we must do everything possible to ensure a bright future for them. By doing so, we are safeguarding the future of this state,” he stated.