The Oyo state Governor, Abiola Ajimobi has flagged off his Youth empowerment scheme with the employment of 20,000 youth into key sectors of the state’s economy.
At the flag off which took place at the Obafemi Awolowo stadium Ibadan, explained that the scheme is projected to give beneficiaries true sense of belonging as they serve as a resource base for the state.
The deputy Gov. & chairman State steering committee of the Youth Empowerment Scheme of Oyo state (YES -O), Mr. Moses Adeyemo disclosed that the selection of the beneficiaries was rigorous, devoid of bias& political prejudices.
He said the move will go a long way at reducing unemployment, youth unrest& consequently poverty in the state.
For the 1st time in the history of Oyo state, the government employed 20,000 youth to serve various ministries ¶statals under a single scheme to complement the civil service in critical areas.
Out of those employed under the scheme, 5,400 are education cadet, 4,300 are under the ministry of works 2,676 are health cadets,3,700 are agric cadets,2,407 are environment cadets while 1,515 are to provide emergency services. The remaining would be trained in various vocational skills.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi said the move was necessitated by the threat posed by the ever growing chain of unemployed youth in the society. He said the scheme as presently inaugurated is a mini spectrum of the Youth empowerment scheme of government and urged the new cadets to be agents of change.
The Dep. Gov. & Chairman, State steering committee of YES-O, Mr. Moses Adeyemo said the scheme is one of the basic tools of government towards repositioning the state.
Gov. Ajimobi further reassured the people that he might step on toes while repositioning the state but he promised not to break any toe and urged for greater understanding among the people.