Stakeholders have agreed that in order to develop talents of youths in a State, platforms must be created for collaboration and cross fertilization of ideas among young persons.
This was was thrust of conversation last week at the third edition of the Osun Youths Conference, held in Osogbo, Osun State capital.
While giving his speech, Ismail Omipidan, Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reiterated that lots of talents are hidden because there are platforms to harness their ideas and collaborate on projects.
“So many Youths are talented, in areas of tech, information, capacity building but these talents are not shown or exposed because there are no platforms to harness these talents
“Now, if platforms are provided, all the talents will be exhibited and this is to the advantage of the State and it will develop the Youth affairs in the State”.
“Youths are very important in the aspect of building a State, empowering them with tools to grow, is developing a state’s strength”, he explained.
Omipidan also encouraged the youths to build high self esteem for themselves, as this will initiate their ability to think innovately.
While adding that they should set out goals for themselves and not be idle, and that it will guide them on their paths and plans for the year.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi also commended the conveners for the programme and the youths for attending the programme, stating that goal driven youths are what the state and country needed to thrive, as they would be the next generation of leaders.
Oba Akanbi commended the organisers of the conference, while calling on young people to develop in right direction and uphold their cultures.
Panel sessions were also held to discuss the importance of youths in politics as this led to series of questions and answers, observations and suggestions.
On the panel were the Chairman of the House Committee on Youths, Jeremiah Awoyeye; Broadcast journalist, Adedayo Oderinu; Activist, Charles Adeyemi and film actor and producer, Ayo Adedeji.
The Conference was attended that students, stakeholders, heads of government parastatals and it was an interactive event.
