Warning to Gov. Adeleke: Firing 20,000 youths without replacement poses threat to peace in Osun – Group

A group, the Osun Progressives Youths in United Kingdom (O-SPYUK), has cautioned Governor Ademola Adeleke regarding the termination of the employment of over 20,000 youths engaged by the previous administration of Adegboyega Oyetola in various government positions without replacement.

This action, carried out via Executive Order by Governor Adeleke shortly after his inauguration in November 2022, cited the illegality of the employment of the youths.

Expressing concern over the neglect of youths in Osun State under Governor Adeleke’s administration in a statement, O-SPYUK Coordinator Tunmise Ajiboye highlighted the impact of this neglect on the state’s youth population.

He emphasized the lack of government programs aimed at harnessing the potentials of the youth and fostering their welfare, stressing that “many youths are relocating from the state because of lack of government programmes to promote their potentials.”

He further criticized the current administration for making what he described as “empty promises” to the youth, leading to disillusionment and an exodus of youth to neighboring states like Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos in search of better opportunities.

Of particular concern to O-SPYUK is the termination of the employment for the 20,000 youths from the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O-YES) and teaching positions without replacement for over two years.

Ajiboye warned of the potential consequences of widespread youth unemployment, stating that idle hands could breed social unrest and threaten the peace being enjoyed in Osun State.

In conclusion, O-SPYUK urged Governor Adeleke to prioritize youth engagement and welfare, emphasizing that addressing these issues would mitigate the risk of social vices arising from youth restiveness in the state.