Ilesa Dual Carriageway: Ijesa Youth Forum Applauds Adeleke, Demands Stronger Youth Empowerment Policies

 

By Abel Chigozie 

The Ijesa Youth Forum has applauded Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, over the commissioning of the Ilesa Dual Carriageway, describing the project as a landmark achievement that will accelerate economic growth and improve infrastructure across Ijesaland.

The group, however, urged the governor to complement ongoing infrastructure development with comprehensive youth-focused policies capable of addressing unemployment, entrepreneurship and skills development in the state.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Aderonke Simiat Gbadamosi, and General Secretary, Medayese Fagbowore, on Saturday, the forum said the completion of the dual carriageway was a testament to the Adeleke administration's commitment to delivering impactful projects that directly improve the lives of the people.

According to the statement, the road project will enhance transportation, facilitate the movement of goods and services, attract private investments and strengthen Ilesa's position as one of Osun State's major commercial and economic centres.

"The successful completion of this project demonstrates Governor Adeleke's commitment to infrastructural renewal and sustainable development. It is a significant milestone that will positively impact businesses, residents and visitors alike," the forum stated.

While commending the governor for fulfilling what it described as a critical infrastructure promise, the group called on the state government to intensify efforts toward empowering young people through deliberate investments in entrepreneurship, agriculture, digital technology, vocational education, creative industries, sports and innovation.

The forum stressed that with youths constituting the largest segment of Osun's population, government must create more employment opportunities, provide startup support for young entrepreneurs, strengthen technical and vocational training, and promote greater youth participation in governance and public policy formulation.

It maintained that meaningful youth inclusion remains essential to achieving sustainable economic growth and long-term development across the state.

The forum also pledged its readiness to partner with the Osun State Government in developing and implementing programmes that would empower young people, promote community development and strengthen peace across the state.

The group congratulated Governor Adeleke on the successful commissioning of the Ilesa Dual Carriageway and urged him to sustain the momentum by ensuring that youth development remains a central pillar of his administration's agenda.