By Adeyemi Adekunle
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has inaugurated 10,000 young people into the Imole Youth Corps, a state-backed initiative aimed at addressing unemployment and equipping youth with skills and work experience in key sectors. The program is part of the administration’s broader strategy to provide structured engagement opportunities and drive economic development across the state.
Speaking at the induction ceremony held at Freedom Park in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke emphasized that the Imole Youth Corps is a transitional platform designed to support young people in gaining relevant experience across sectors such as health, security, environmental management, and education. He urged the new recruits to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in their assigned roles, underscoring his administration’s focus on sustainable job creation.
“Today’s event is a continuation of our deliberate efforts to provide employment opportunities for our young people,” the governor stated. “These 10,000 youth, drawn from the 332 political wards in the state, will be deployed to provide essential services that contribute to the grassroots economy and other critical areas.”
The governor reiterated that the Imole Youth Corps aligns with his administration’s broader job creation strategy, which includes supporting small businesses, expanding infrastructure, and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship. He noted that these efforts have contributed to the creation of over 250,000 job opportunities in the last two years.
“Our first step was to create an enabling environment for job creation by both the government and private sector. One of our key interventions has been providing financial support to small businesses through cooperative initiatives, ensuring entrepreneurs have access to operational funds. So far, we have committed over four billion naira to this revolving loan scheme,” he explained.
Governor Adeleke also highlighted the state government’s policy of enforcing local content in infrastructure projects, ensuring that contractors hire local workers and source materials from within the state. According to him, this approach has not only created jobs but has also helped develop local skills and businesses.
“As part of our local content policy, we prioritize hiring Osun-based contractors who, in turn, employ local technicians and skilled laborers. Additionally, local suppliers are engaged to ensure that state funds circulate within Osun. This has had a direct impact on job creation and economic stability,” he added.
The governor assured the public that his administration would continue implementing targeted employment programs, including the recently launched Agropreneur Program, which is set to be expanded across all 30 local government areas and the Area Council. The initiative aims to engage more young people in agriculture, leveraging technology and innovation to improve productivity and profitability in the sector.
“In the coming months, we will be rolling out the Agropreneur Project in every local government. This program is designed to equip young people with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in modern agriculture, thereby contributing to food security and economic growth,” he noted.
To ensure the effectiveness of the Imole Youth Corps, Governor Adeleke directed the Commissioner for Youth Development, Moshood Olagunju, to implement a performance evaluation system. The governor emphasized that periodic assessments would be conducted to track the impact of the initiative and ensure corps members fulfill their assigned responsibilities.
Commissioner Olagunju, in his remarks, congratulated the new members of the Imole Youth Corps and encouraged them to see the program as an opportunity for professional and personal growth. He also praised Governor Adeleke for his continued commitment to youth empowerment and economic development.
“I commend Mr. Governor and the entire state executive for making this initiative a reality. The Imole Youth Corps is not just about job creation; it is about preparing our young people for the future by equipping them with skills and experiences that will benefit them beyond this program,” Olagunju stated.
He further assured that the Ministry of Youth Development would work closely with relevant agencies to support the corps members and ensure they receive adequate training and supervision.
Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth through targeted interventions. He called on both the public and private sectors to support the government’s efforts by creating more opportunities for young people.
“The government alone cannot solve the unemployment challenge, which is why we continue to create policies that encourage private-sector investment in job creation. We are committed to partnerships that will provide our youth with sustainable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the role of young people in the state’s development, urging them to take advantage of the opportunities provided through government initiatives. He encouraged the new corps members to approach their assignments with diligence and a sense of responsibility.
“Your role in this program is critical. Whether you are deployed to support healthcare services, improve environmental management, or assist in security and education efforts, you must remain committed to delivering value. The success of this initiative depends on your dedication and hard work,” he concluded.
The launch of the Imole Youth Corps marks a significant milestone in Osun State’s efforts to address unemployment and foster economic inclusion. As the newly inducted corps members begin their assignments, the program is expected to contribute to job creation, community development, and the overall growth of the state’s economy.
