Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that criminals will find no refuge in the state, assuring residents that security forces are flushing out criminal elements hiding in forests and farm settlements.
“Calm is gradually returning. We will not allow criminals to have comfort in our state,” Aiyedatiwa said during an interactive session with youth groups in Akure. “While law-abiding citizens are assured of protection, we will continue to smoke out elements that threaten our peace.”
The governor also emphasized youth empowerment as a cornerstone of his administration’s development drive, pledging to appoint a young Commissioner for Youth Affairs.
“Youths are the backbone of our development,” he said. “We’ve supported 5,000 youth entrepreneurs with nano grants, engaged 15,000 in public workforce programmes, and launched skill centres under our One-Youth-One-Skill scheme.”
Aiyedatiwa urged young people to steer clear of disruptive activities, adding: “Let us not waste our God-given talents on negative tendencies. We must work together to unleash your full potential.”
The governor presented his 7-point agenda — “Our Ease” — targeting security, infrastructure, education, and economic development. He also highlighted the recent recruitment of 2,000 teachers and educational support programmes.
Commending Aiyedatiwa, the state’s Amotekun commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said, “Despite the challenges, we remain undeterred and committed to protecting lives and property.”
The session drew praise from youth leaders across the state, who urged even stronger inclusion of young people in governance.