By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
A ranking member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, representing Gbonyin Aiyekire Constituency, Princess Teju Okuyiga, has again reinforced the confidence of her constituents by distributing ₦6 million to 500 individuals as part of her ongoing efforts to empower and support economic stability within the various communities in the area.
The financial support program coincided with the first-ever youth summit of the constituency, which brought together diverse youth organizations, including the National Youth Council (NYC), town students’ unions, artisans, Okada riders, and the Drivers’ Union, among others to discuss strategies for ensuring the economic viability of individuals and communities.
The event, tagged “Our Youths, Our Strength,” took place on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the EKSDC Hall in Aisegba Ekiti, addressing critical issues affecting young individuals in the area and exposing them to opportunities for socio-economic development provided by the Ekiti state government.
In her welcome address, Princess Okuyiga, renowned for her dedication to youth empowerment and community development, highlighted the necessity of the program, emphasizing the need to guide young individuals in becoming future leaders and valuable community assets.
Princess Okuyiga who availed the opportunity of the summit to shed light on various initiatives by the current administration, affirmed that the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration is committed to reducing unemployment through skill acquisition and entrepreneurship schemes.
Among the initiatives mentioned were the Youth Volunteers/Public Workfare Scheme, which engages unemployed youths in labor-intensive public works in rural communities which is supported by the local content law of the state, the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Program targets unskilled and out-of-school youth as well as the agribusiness engagement aims to drive economic growth and job creation.
“Our youth are the backbone of our community, and it is our responsibility to support and empower them,” Princess Okuyiga stated. “This summit is not just a gathering but a platform to ignite positive change and create opportunities for our young people.”
While distributing the cash gift of ₦6 million to the beneficiaries across different political parties and wards; comprising of Ode, Agbado, Aisegba, Imesi, Egbe mong others, Princess Okuyiga explained that the cash support was to students and youths for economic relief as well as to foster a spirit of innovation, business expansion, and self-reliance among the young generation in her constituency.
The event also featured a series of workshops, motivational speeches, and interactive sessions, designed to inspire and equip the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in various sectors.
Prominent political leaders and figures attended the event, including the state commissioner for Public Infrastructure and Utility, Professor Bolaji Aluko, the Chairman House Committee on Youth, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Idowu Odebunmi (I. D Aluta) the Gbonyin Local Government Chairman, Mr. Damilare Ajayi, the APC chairman in the area, Mr. Tokunbo Akinyeye, and an official of the state scholarship board, Mr. Samuel Ekundayo Oloniyo. They urged the youth to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the government and the lawmaker.
The youth constituency, represented by the Nigerian Youth Congress and Students’ unions, expressed their confidence in Princess Okuyiga. They gave her the awarded of Asoju Ayiye of Gbonyin Constituency and declared their unwavering support for the Oyebanji-led government’s second term.
The Apalufin of Aisegba Ekiti, represented by the Alasura of Aisegba Ekiti, High Chief Anifowose, commended Princess Okuyiga for her relentless efforts in advancing the communities, noting that her consistent dedication to development and leadership was unprecedented, therefore calling on other political stakeholders to emulate the gesture of Okuyiga.
Chief Anifowose remarked that the Gbonyin people were not surprised by Princess Okuyiga’s achievements, attributing her success to her lineage known for good representation and quality leadership.
Beneficiaries of the financial support expressed their gratitude, hailing Princess Okuyiga for her consistent impact across various communities as they also acknowledged her regular engagements and assistance. They prayed for continued success for her and the Ekiti state government.