By Seun Ibiyemi
The 2027 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has pledged to develop the state’s creative economy and create employment opportunities for young people if elected governor.
Adeola made the pledge on Sunday in Abeokuta during an interactive session with Ogun youths tagged, “Gen Z Asks, Yayi Listens”.
He said Ogun State had abundant creative talent and promised to establish platforms to help young people discover, develop and showcase their abilities.
In her opening remarks, the convener of Gen Z for Yayi, Kira Taiwo, described the engagement as an opportunity for young people to contribute to discussions about their future and the development of the state.
She said the initiative was designed to give youths the opportunity to express the opportunities they expected from the next administration.
“I hope this translates to youth participation and opportunities to shape the future of Ogun State,” Taiwo said.
Responding to questions, Adeola said his administration would strengthen the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to promote talent discovery and support the growth of the creative and entertainment industry.
“Under the nine pillars of my administration, we are giving focus to cultural and tourism. We will empower the ministry of Culture and Tourism to create a platform that will detect and promote talents. We will ensure a ministry that is efficient and vibrant. We will work closely with talents and stakeholders to create a thriving creative and entertainment industry in Ogun State,” he said.
On youth unemployment and underemployment, the senator pledged to negotiate employment quotas with industries operating in the state to create opportunities for qualified indigenes.
He added that available positions would be publicly advertised to ensure eligible graduates could access them.
Addressing the growing trend of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, popularly known as ‘Japa’, Adeola acknowledged that it had become a national challenge.
He said his administration would seek to address the situation in Ogun State by creating well-paying jobs and improving opportunities for young professionals.
“Especially in the medical profession, Ogun State needs more doctors and qualified nurses. We will work closely with them to make sure they are employed within this system. I will do everything within my reach to retain our best hands and provide them with the enabling environment to showcase their talents,” he said.
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The APC candidate also assured youths that his ongoing projects and empowerment programmes would continue and expand if elected, following concerns about their sustainability beyond the election.
He said he would establish a Ministry of Wealth Creation to drive the continuation of his empowerment initiatives and expand skills acquisition programmes across the state.
“I have set a standard that I can’t go below. I will improve on my development programmes. We will set up the Ministry of Wealth Creation that will drive the Continuity of my empowerment programmes. We will empower more people across the state and also embark on skill acquisition programmes that will upscale capacity,” Adeola said.
He further pledged to address road infrastructure challenges and improve educational facilities, promising that no student would have to study under a tree during his tenure.
“Under my leadership, the issue of bad roads will be a thing of the past in Ogun State. No student will study under the tree during my tenure as governor of this state,” he said.
