From Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa

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The youths of Ilaje Local Government Area have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to honour the promise of relocating the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) office from Akure to Igbokoda, ensuring closer proximity to the communities it serves.

Prince Emorioloye Owolemi, convener of the National Union of Ilaje Youths (NAUIYO), made this appeal during the union’s inaugural meeting, held in Igbokoda, the administrative headquarters of Ilaje Local Government.

Recalling the commitment made by the late Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu during his visit to the Olugbo of Ugbo in November 2016, Prince Owolemi noted that the promise to relocate the OSOPADEC office to Igbokoda has yet to be fulfilled.

“As the united representative of the youths, I call on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to fulfill this promise and initiate the process of relocating OSOPADEC to Ilaje,” he stated.

Prince Owolemi also appealed to all levels of government to include Ilaje youths in skill acquisition programmes, particularly those focused on communication, engineering, ICT, and other technical fields, both within Nigeria and internationally.

He highlighted the significance of unity among the youths, stressing that collective efforts would attract development projects to the region.

“We must abstain from vices and create a peaceful environment for contractors and residents. Without unity, even with an Ilaje man as the Governor, we cannot fully enjoy progress or benefits,” he remarked.

Further explaining the structure of the National Union of Ilaje Youths, Owolemi described it as a powerful, membership-based organisation open to individuals aged 18 and above, irrespective of gender.

The union, he said, is dedicated to advocating for its members’ rights on legal, moral  and financial fronts.

Through the union’s structure, youths would register via their community youth chairpersons, ensuring proper documentation and accountability.

Owolemi expressed that the initiative would strengthen internal security within communities, easing government pressure while rewarding the efforts of community-based youth groups.

The union leader concluded by urging Ilaje youths to collaborate, prioritising youth empowerment and development through a unified approach.