#Japa: Governor Oyebanji Pledges Good Governance to Combat Brain Drain in Ekiti
…As Youths Endorse Governor for Second Term
Ado Ekiti, Nigeria – The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has vowed to use the principles of good governance to curb the frequent migration of youths abroad and to other states perceived as more economically viable. Speaking at an interactive session titled ‘Youths Let’s Talk With BAO’ at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji urged youths to maintain a positive outlook towards Nigeria, warning that the “Japa syndrome” – a term used to describe the mass exodus of young Nigerians – could jeopardize the nation’s growth if left unchecked.
Addressing over 1,000 youths from the 16 local government areas of the state, Oyebanji emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment that would make Ekiti State attractive for youths to live and work. “This is a democracy; we can’t stop anybody from traveling to wherever they like, but we have a duty to create an enabling environment to stop the Japa syndrome. Japa is not just about traveling abroad; you can leave Ekiti and travel to Lagos or other states,” he said.
Governor Oyebanji outlined his administration’s commitment to making Ekiti a thriving place for investment, ensuring security, and fostering an environment where businesses can flourish. He stressed the importance of job creation for the youth population and promised to work diligently to achieve this goal.
Commenting on recent violent incidents in Ado Ekiti, the Governor called on the youths to avoid cultism, drug abuse, and the senseless killing of innocent people. He warned that perceiving Nigeria as a failed state could be detrimental to their future.
In his speech, Oyebanji also addressed issues affecting young farmers, particularly the transportation challenges along the Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele axis, and assured them that measures would be taken to prevent these issues from negatively impacting their agricultural yields.
The Governor urged youths to foster unity and assured them that his administration’s programs would not be politicized, promising inclusivity regardless of political affiliations.
In a show of support, the Youth Parliament, an assembly of elected youths representing the 16 local government areas, passed a vote of confidence on Governor Oyebanji. The Speaker of the Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Nathaniel Olusanya, praised the Governor for his inspiring leadership and commitment to youth inclusion in governance.
“The youths of Ekiti are convinced that our future is guaranteed under your leadership. Ekiti people love you, and it is evident in the way they celebrate you always. We have discussed and arrived at the conclusion that you deserve a vote of confidence, and we are endorsing you for a second term because you have truly made us proud,” Olusanya stated.
He commended the Governor for appointing hundreds of youths as Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants, noting that this demonstrates Oyebanji’s dedication to the welfare and inclusion of the youth population.
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the endorsement and reaffirmed his commitment to the development and empowerment of Ekiti State’s youth.
