Former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has charged Nigerian youths to take active interest in the way they are governed.
He emphasized that public policies have far-reaching consequences for the present and future.
Aregbesola made this call during his keynote speech at the Teen Speak out 11.0 event held at Osogbo Government High School, organised by Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative.
“The government is like a vehicle; it goes in whichever direction it is turned to. If you turn it in the right direction, it will take you to a safe and glorious destination. If you leave it to some others, it might have an accident or more likely take you to an undesirable destination,” Aregbesola cautioned.
The Former Minister of Interior said that there is tendency for the people in positions of power to be driven by personal interest.
He therefore charges that the youths, which he refers to as the future of Nigeria be vigilant.
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Aregbesola emphasized the importance of youth participation in governance, stating, “It is incumbent on the people, especially the youth, to be vigilant, place effective and reasonable demands on those in power, and act as checks on their excesses.”
He encouraged the youth to research and understand public policies, asking critical questions about local government administration and its impact on rural communities.
Teens Speak Out By Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative
Teens Speak out is an annual oratory contest that believes in moulding confident, articulate, and responsible young leaders through a unique blend of oratory and essay writing.
Concerning the 2024 theme of the oratory contest, “Empowering Local Governance: Is Autonomy the Key to Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Rural Communities, or Are There Better Alternatives?” Ogbeni said that the topic addresses hurdles of governance in the rural area.
“This topic resonates well as it addresses the unique hurdles rural communities in Nigeria face in their pursuit of growth and progress. It is an opportunity to evaluate whether granting local authorities greater autonomy will unlock sustainable development or if there are more effective pathways.”
Although he pointed out that “Local governments cannot be a third tier of government in any jurisdiction” and that there is controversy around it, he said that policy towards its implementation is simple as he urges that it is “administered to benefit the people at the grassroots”
