Fostering Youth Leadership: Breaking the Pattern in Ondo State - By Ife Omoniyi

As we navigate the political landscape of Ondo State, it's essential to acknowledge a glaring trend: the absence of young deputy governors since the state's inception. This pattern not only highlights a systemic issue but also presents an opportunity for transformative change and youth empowerment.

Since the creation of Ondo State, the position of deputy governor has predominantly been filled by individuals from older age brackets, perpetuating a cycle of limited youth representation in executive leadership roles. Despite the vibrant and dynamic youth population in the state, their voices have been largely absent from the highest echelons of power.

The lack of young deputy governors reflects broader challenges faced by youth in accessing political leadership positions, including limited opportunities, entrenched power structures, and generational stereotypes. However, it also underscores the immense potential for youth to disrupt these norms and drive meaningful change.

It's time to galvanize the youth of Ondo State to actively engage in reshaping their political landscape. By raising awareness about the historical absence of young deputy governors, we can ignite a sense of agency and mobilize young leaders to step forward and challenge the status quo.

Aspiring young leaders, grassroots organizations, civil society, and political stakeholders must unite to demand greater youth representation in governance. This starts by advocating for political parties and Governorship aspirants to consider young individuals as their running mates in the upcoming election, thereby breaking the cycle of exclusion and paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic leadership.

The absence of young deputy governors in Ondo State's history serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive steps to empower youth and diversify political leadership. By harnessing the collective energy and passion of the state's youth, we can forge a path towards a more equitable and representative democracy, where age is no longer a barrier to meaningful participation and influence.

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