MY GOVERNMENT WILL ENGAGE YOUTHS IN MINING, AGRIC. ~ SAYS GOV. OYETOLA

Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun has reiterated his priority of youths' engagement in his government. 

Playing host to national executive members of the Nasir-l Fathi Society, NASFAT on a courtesy visit at the Exco Lounge of the Office of the Governor, Osogbo, Mr Oyetola said his plans were to empower Osun youths, especially in the areas of mining and agriculture.

Speaking further, the Governor however decried youths' ignorance of the benefits derivable from mining.

On youths' engagement, he said: "I have always believed in youths in agriculture, but I realised it's a tough one.

"Why do I say that? There is issue of attitudinal problems with the youths when it comes to agriculture.

Governor Oyetola further said that agriculture required commitment, dedication and patience, stressing contrarily however, that today's youths were so impatient and too covetous of quick rich.

"Agriculture is an enduring profession. If you do it well, it is very profitable. But if you are looking for immediate gain, it is not there.

"Some of them were even sent to Germany for training, and they were given acres of land and money. But it just didn't work out", he said.

He however, promised that his government would not rest on its laurels in the empowerment of youths, as they had done previously by sending them abroad for training on agriculture.

On his appreciation of the visit by the NASFAT, Mr. Oyetola eulogised the leadership of the Islamic body, saying their introduction of innovation and new direction of practice of the religion which made Islam attractive to youths was commendable.

He further expressed his gratitude to NASFAT saying "It is efficacy of prayers that takes us this far".

Speaking earlier, the worldwide President of the religious body, Alhaji Kamil Yomi Bolarinwa said their courtesy visit was meant to showcase NASFAT as an Islamic organization that believed in peace.

He therefore, urged Mr. Governor to invest in youths, saying that the body believed the state would soon become a destination of investment.

He added that the religious body expected Oyetola's leadership to be a pride of Islam.

The courtesy visit was well attended by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prince Oyebamiji, Head of Service, Dr. Olowogboyega Oyebade, and Supervisor for Finance, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji.

On the NASFAT team were the Chief Missioner, Engr. Moruff Onike Azeez, Fountain University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Amidu Sanni, and a Board of Trustee member, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Kola Omotunde (De-Young), among others.