Osun election: APC candidate sets sights on harnessing entertainment and athletics sectors to boost youth employment opportunities

Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Osun State, has pledged that young people will play a central role in shaping his administration's decisions if he is elected governor, with a focus on leveraging opportunities in the creative and sports industries to drive youth development.

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This commitment was made during the Osun Youths Interactive Session, which took place at the Adolak Event Centre in Osogbo, where youths from various sectors engaged with Oyebamiji to discuss his vision for the state.

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The interactive session, organised by the Directorate of Youths, Students of the APC campaign council, provided a platform for young people to gain insight into the APC candidate's PROSPERITY Agenda and engage directly on issues affecting their future.

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Oyebamiji expressed confidence in his electoral prospects, citing his campaign engagements across the 30 local government areas of Osun State, which have given him a deep understanding of the people's expectations and aspirations.

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He stated, "We shall be duly elected come August 15th, having traversed all 30 local government areas of the state in three different periods: the pre-primary period, the period of inaugurating the party canvassers, and the direct campaign interface with the people of Osun State."

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Oyebamiji highlighted the importance of sports development, saying "sport is a critical sector capable of driving economic growth and creating opportunities for young people, and we have been holding strategic consultations on sports development to establish a strong sports club in the Southwest where governors can collaborate to promote sporting excellence."

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According to the Chairman of the Directorate, Mr. Ayodele Asalu, the gathering was more than a political meeting, but an open conversation between the candidate and young people from different backgrounds, emphasizing the need for young people to be active participants in governance.

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Asalu stressed that issues such as education, employment, skills development, entrepreneurship, technology, creative economy, and youth participation in government are central to the concerns of young people, requiring their active engagement in the governance of Osun State.

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The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Kehinde Ayantunji, criticized the current administration in the state for destroying sports infrastructure and achieving little in terms of youth development, leaving the state without a common football pitch for almost four years.

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Ayantunji noted that the youth population has been rendered less productive due to the replacement of virtuous values with brigandage and thuggery, emphasizing the need for change in the state's governance.

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Dr. Lekan Olatunji, the Lead Discussant, explained that the PROSPERITY Agenda was developed with youth inclusion as a major focus, involving young people in shaping the manifesto, which includes key areas such as improved education, skills development, and support for small and medium enterprises.

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Olatunji highlighted other key areas of the agenda, including talent development, creative economy, sports, agriculture, and youth-focused wealth creation initiatives, designed to promote the prosperity of young people in Osun State.

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Chairman of the occasion, Eng. Olamilekan Badmus, urged the youths to vote massively for Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji in the August 15 Governorship election, assuring them that the future and economic prosperity of the state are secure under Oyebamiji's leadership.