By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Youths under the auspices of Collition of Ogun State Youth Forums on Wednesday proposed an 11 – Point road map to Governor Dapo Abiodun, including asking him to establish practicable food banks and incorporate non – state actors into his Palliative Committee to ensure success of government’s measures to end residents’ excruciating pains due to the rising cost of living.
The group which addressed newsmen in Iwe Iroyin Press Centre Abeokuta, the state capital, also gave Governor Abiodun 30 days to commence implementation of the proposed agenda, warning that if he failed to act on the proposal, the forums will mobilise members to “storm the streets and roads” in the state.
The Coalition proposal bordered on facilitating relaxing of control on the borders to allow essential food items like rice to enter the state, effective distribution of palliatives, one year free health insurance for all residents, subsidizing transportation and grants for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises.
Others nudged the state government to engage in human capital development, massive involvement in farming, initiating people oriented policies, improve security and bridging the communication gap between the Governor and youths.
The Coalition Coordinator, Comrade Sodeinde Daniel, who read the 11 – point road map subsumed under the subtitle, “Solutions and Policy Suggestions,” in company of the Coalition Secretary, Kazeem Baiyewu, Spokesperson; Comrade Fẹmi Owoẹyẹ, Legal Adviser
Habeeb Whyte Esq and other members of the group, however expressed the confidence that it won’t not get to a situation where members would have to hit the streets first before the Governor listen to them.
“Don’t forget this is democracy and not military rule. We are expecting feedbacks from every demand are making. So, failure to listen to what we are saying, they should expect us to use our power to force them to listen. We are over 30 youth groups. Youths are the majority in the state and country. We are going to storm the street. Yes, we are not apologetic about it. We are going to storm the street,” he said.
On the agenda or road map, Sodeinde listed it as follows: “Reopen international borders to stimulate economic growth through increased trade and investment.
“Enhance the palliative committee’s effectiveness by including non-state actors, ensuring a broader representation of the affected populace.
“We understand that the state government have rolled out programmes to cater to this. However, there is absolute need to launch a comprehensive health insurance initiative, providing one year of free coverage for all residents to alleviate healthcare burdens.
“Institute a well-managed food bank system to ensure the equitable distribution of food resources, especially to vulnerable populations starting with the proposed 100 trucks of rice the Ogun State Government intends to sell at affordable rates.
“Implement subsidies for public transportation and increase the availability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to alleviate transportation costs.
“Introduce financial support programs and grants for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
“Develop and implement robust job creation programs to tackle unemployment, providing opportunities for skill development and meaningful employment.
“Empower farmers and encourage youth to engage in mechanized farming by providing credit facilities.
“Implement policies to make life bearable for the masses, especially in the areas of food production, security, skills development and shelter.
“Develop policies to address security challenges, recognizing the correlation between security and food production.
“There is a huge communication gap between the people who the initiatives are meant for and the unaccounted for youths particularly i.e young people who aren’t in schools or in the civil service. We request a quarterly Youth Parley with His Excellency, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, to enhance communication, awareness of opportunities, and better appreciation of your programs. This way, the government can directly receive feedbacks and the people’s yearnings.”
