2021 IYD: Osun Governor assures youths of better inclusion in governance

*Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State of Nigeria urges the youths to embrace peace and pursue developmental objectives in the interest of the citizens in the state

*Osun State House of Assembly passes establishment of cattle ranches bill into law

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Expressing delight about the young population’s reciprocal gesture, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has assured the citizens of greater youths’ involvement and better representation in governance.

ConsumerConnect reports Governor Oyetola stated this when receiving the youths in his office after the 20-kilometre march to commemorate the 2021 International Youth Day (IYD).

The governor expressed delight about their reciprocal gesture as he assured them of about 30 percent in his State Executive Council (Exco), if re-elected.

A cross-section of Nigerian youths  Photo: NAN

Oyetola disclosed that his administration’s prioritisation of the concerns of youths is rooted in his belief in the future of the state.

“Thank you for your support. You really surprised and amazed me. This is not a rally staged by the government, and this is not a rented crowd.

“You decided to organise this yourselves and the outcome is this massive population of grateful youths.

“This is really surprising and I am highly excited seeing thousands of youths across the state showing their unalloyed support and solidarity for our government,” he stated.

He then, urged the youth to embrace peace and pursue developmental objectives in the interest of the state.

Oyetola also noted: “As you all know, this administration has prioritised people’s welfare, just as many of our socio-economic interventions are centred on the people, particularly the youth.

“Please, don’t relent in your efforts. I want you to remain resolute in your support. Don’t be distracted and don’t be deterred. We are committed to your cause, and we will do more for you.

He advised the youths, saying “as you all know, we have appointed capable youths among you and they are doing fine. But by the grace of God, if I am re-elected, at least 30 percent of my Exco will be youths.

“Please don’t allow yourselves to be used by political jobbers and evil doers. Let your future be your priority. Your future must be paramount to all of you. Don’t be instruments in the hands of the wicked.”

He added: “We are conscious of your future. This is why most of our programmes and policies are focused on you.

“We have a lot to do, as we pray God to endow us with more resources. I am really happy for your large turnout.

“Your presence is an indication that our administration means well for you….”

Following the march, Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Student Affairs and Social Mobilisation, described the walk as a token of appreciation for Oyetola’s inclusiveness of youths in governance.

Ayantunji said: “The International Youth Day affords us the opportunity of assessing our challenges and successes across the globe.

“In Osun, we have made a holistic review of facts and figure, and it is clear that Governor Oyetola, in the history of Osun, has included the highest number of youths in governance, particularly with the recent local government appointments.”

The governor’s aide further said: “Of 585 caretaker members across the state, youths who are below 40 years are more than 300.

“This is highly unprecedented and this is why we feel there is need to commend the governor for ensuring youth inclusion in governance and for breaking the jinx of youth inclusion in the nation’s politics.

“This is to show that we are strongly behind him against internal and external aggression as we are assuring him that those that have been appointed will surely deliver.”

House of Assembly passes cattle ranches bill

In a related development, the Osun State House of Assembly Thursday, August 12, 2021, passed a bill to regulate animal grazing and establishment of cattle ranches and other related matters.

Mr. Kunle Alabi, Spokesman for Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, House Speaker, in a statement said that the House also passed into law the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill 2021.

The statement noted: “The Speaker, Timothy Owoeye, at plenary noted that the bill passed into law will prevent the destruction of farms, crops by open rearing and grazing of livestock.”

As from the commencement of the bill, he stated that no person or group of persons shall rear, herd, or graze any livestock in any part of the state, except within permitted ranches.

According to the Speaker, “any person or group who contravenes the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to terms of imprisonment of not less than three years without an option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his or her control to the state government.

“A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under the supervision of an adult.”

Hon. Owoeye said: “A minor who contravenes the provision of Section 3 (4) committed an offence, and the guardian or parent of the minor or owner of the livestock as the case may be, shall be vicariously liable on conviction to a fine of N300,000.00 only.

“Any herdsman or pastoralist who attacks or threatens to track any farmer, person or commuter whether or not the injury is occasioned by the attack shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than one year without an option of fine.”

According to the Speaker, “conveyance of livestock on foot from one destination to another in the state is prohibited, except such movement is by rail wagon or truck or pick-up wagon and is within 7a.m. to 6p.m.”

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