By Adeniyi Adedeji, Ilorin
Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has explained why he appoints the younger generation into his cabinet.
The governor had not been having it smooth since he assumed office last year allegedly because of appointing young fellows to form his government to the exclusion of officials and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
However, speaking in his office in Ilorin on Wednesday, the governor said he was committed to taking steps to secure a brighter future for young people in the state.
He cited the age demography of his appointees and the size of government projects and programmes which he said were targeted at the youth.
In a message commemorating the International Youth Day, IYD, he said the future always belonged to the youth, hence his administration’s focus on critical engagement of young people for growth and development.
The theme for the 2020 edition of the IYD is; ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’.
Governor AbdulRazaq said, “On this occasion of the International Youth Day, 2020, which is commemorated every 12th of August, I fully identify with young people in Kwara and beyond, in their aspiration for a future filled with hope and great possibilities.”
Meanwhile, a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye said, “The governor is constantly guided by the need to secure a vantage place for the youth, by not just engaging them, but also making them a critical voice at the decision-making table.
“This is reflected in not just the choice of most of his appointees, but also in signature projects like the recently approved innovation hub and the visual arts centre to create an environment for young people to prosper in a new economy.
“The governor pledges to deepen engagement with every segment of the state, including the youth constituency which constitutes the largest demography on the African continent and therefore has the highest stake in governance.
“He believes that more resources should be deployed to enhancing the wellbeing of young people.”
The governor also urged the youths to focus on things that brighten their future, while shunning anti-social behaviours or activities such as cultism, drug abuse, and scanty regard for law and order.
