The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured the Muslim youth community in the state of his administration’s readiness to continue to work with them in promoting peace, unity and youth development.
The Governor gave the assurance while receiving members of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO), Ondo State Chapter, led by their Coordinator, Ogumola Muhammad on Thursday in Akure.
The Governor commended the leadership of the group for mobilizing Muslim youths towards positive engagement, stressing that the presence of professionals among them was a sign that they would instill good values and ideals in the younger generation.
He recalled the contributions of the Muslim community to his victory at the polls, describing their support during the electioneering period as a major factor in the unprecedented win recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November 16 last year.
Governor Aiyedatiwa told the group that his administration considers them as part of the people’s government, assuring that they are free to make their demands known.
“Continue to speak out, but always with humility, constructively, and in the spirit of collaboration. This government is yours as much as anyone else’s, and you have every right to engage it,” the Governor said.
Responding to the requests of the group, he assured that the need for Arabic and Islamic teachers in schools would be addressed in future recruitment exercises, noting that over 2,000 teachers had recently been employed based on the needs submitted by school administrators.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to youth inclusion in governance, citing the appointment of a young Commissioner for Youth and Sports and Senior Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation and Senior Special Assistant on Volunteering Services, among others, as examples of opportunities given to deserving young people.
He urged the youths to remain active and visible in their fields, saying that opportunities come to those who prepare themselves and showcase their abilities.
“We are determined to continue supporting and engaging the youth. You have energy, creativity, and talent, and if we do not provide you opportunities, the state may never discover the greatness you carry,” the Governor stated.
Earlier in his address, the Coordinator of NACOMYO in the state, Ogumola Muhammad, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as his laudable performance in infrastructure, education, security and youth development.
He said when compared with past governors of the state, Aiyedatiwa stood out as one who had given remarkable attention to the Muslim community. While appreciating the Governor, he said the group decided to present themselves officially to him as the umbrella body of all Muslim youths in the state and to express their concerns.
The Coordinator listed some of the group’s appeals to include the renovation of schools with Islamic names, greater inclusion of youths in governance, provision of a Da’awah bus for NACOMYO’s activities, allocation of land for a permanent state secretariat, and continued financial support for their programmes.
He further explained that the group has been contributing to civic and social development in the state through sensitization on voter registration, peace campaigns, advocacy against drug abuse and violence, and partnerships with organizations to empower youths.
In attendance were Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa and Chairman, Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Zikrullah Adam Chandy.
