National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Funmi Ojo, OYO
Oyo State’s youth empowerment initiatives have been recognised as unmatched in the country.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated this during the third edition of the Hope For Second Chance Foundation (HOSEC) Secondary School Oratory Contest in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Prince Oyelade revealed that two years ago, the state government significantly increased the allowance of Youth Corpers from five thousand naira to fifteen thousand naira. This move, he said, demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving youth welfare.
According to the NYSC Coordinator in Oyo State, Mr. Abel Odoba, this increase makes Oyo State the highest paying state for Corpers, surpassing others struggling to meet the mandatory ₦5,000 allowance.
Oyelade also emphasised the importance of ICT in societal progress and urged youths to focus on the positive aspects of the digital space.
He revealed ongoing collaborative efforts involving the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), the Ministry of Education, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to combat cybercrime.
According to him, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration recently allocated significant funds to implement a Youth Empowerment Programme focusing on ICT training, entrepreneurship, leadership, and mentorship.
Responding ,the Executive Director of the Hope For Second Chance Foundation, Mrs. Ibukunoluwa Oteṣile, reiterated the importance of effective communication skills for every child and urged parents, teachers, and stakeholders to prioritise this goal.
The oratory contest, involving 47 government secondary schools in Ibadan, provided a platform for students to discuss the merits and demerits of ICT advancements in fostering safe digital spaces and child protection.
Government College, Ibadan, however, emerged victorious in the competition.
The event witnessed the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, among others.
