Israel Fawole has been appointed Speaker of the Oyo State Youth Assembly (OSYA) by Governor Seyi Makinde. Fawole will be leading 30 other appointees comprising youths and young graduates to steer the ship of OSYA.
In this interview with Dayo Mustapha, the graduate of Nursing Science from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), shares his dreams and aspirations for his new task. Excerpts:
Give us a little background on Oyo State Youth Parliament
The Youth Parliament is a feature of many developed democracies in the world. It is a training platform that prepares young people for leadership roles and decision making processes, especially issues that border around nation building and youth development. The parliament operates with the framework of State Assemblies and National Assembly. The Youth Parliament not only provides practical and ready avenue for young people’s participation in governance and public administration but also provides a platform for young people to realise their leadership potentials, while building sense of hope, confidence, imagination, creativity and pride in the Nation’s heritage.
As an undergraduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology where you once served as Speaker of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Students Association, do you see a nexus between that role and this new assignment?
Yes, I do. For me, it was a platform that has prepared me for this office. Back then, I was open to reading and learning at the feet of many heroes in leadership and that set me up and laid a good foundation in me for leadership generally. The experience I garnered while I served as Speaker of the Association is the reason I am not strange to the legislative proceedings and how to tackle quandaries around it. Let me also note that I served as the National President of Nigerian Universities Nursing Students Association, where I have experience leading such a significant National Association.
What in your view, are two biggest challenges affecting undergraduates and youths generally in Oyo State?
Lack of vision and lack of understanding on what to do. Two, Inadequate resources to fuel the passion of the youths.
There have been an upsurge in crime and moral decadence. How would you use your office to provoke moral reawakening among youths in Oyo State?
To solve any problem, we have to know and admit that there is indeed a problem, and then proffer possible solutions to address it.The first point to note is that the entire upsurge of crime, atrocities and moral decadence is a chain. There are many factors contributing to this menace, and if anything will be done to effect changes, the problem must be traced to the root.
This is not an attempt to justify crimes but in order to effectively address the issue, we must dig deeper. Research has proven that unemployment is the foremost factor contributing to increased crime rates generally, and the youths in Oyo State are not excluded. When people are not meaningfully engaged, resorting to crimes becomes imminent.Hanging closely after that is the completely flawed orientation and attitude youths display towards morality, it is regarded “old-fashioned” and “cliché” to be upright and stand for justice and peace. The culture currently rewards bad behavior. Not to dwell too much on the problems, the major ways through which we can attempt to solve this problem, or at least create a foundation upon which subsequent administrations can build, are reorientation and awareness, education and empowerment.
Could you shed more life on this?
Reorientation and awareness will entail organising seminars and symposiums tailored towards reawakening morals, and detailing the long-term dangerous effects of continuous engagement in crimes. People need to understand that we by ourselves will suffer the consequences of these things, and generations will continue too. By the things we allow and tolerate, we are unconsciously teaching the upcoming generation what is permissible.Education entails both the formal and informal aspects. We will encourage and provide aid to sizeable numbers of people who are desirous of pursuing it.
We will also educate the youths on opportunities “outside the four walls of a class room”, people have skills they can deploy in the big market space but lack the knowledge, information and exposure to progress with it. It is my belief that when people are meaningfully engaged in profitable ventures, they will have no time to commit crimes.
We would also reach out to stakeholders in various industries within the state to see how jobs can be secured for graduates who have successfully completed their degrees in Higher Institutions but are unemployed.Overall, we would ensure these steps have a long-lasting effect that transcends different administrations.
Do you think your vision and mission align with the Oyo State Government?
Yes it does align. The Governor has consistently made it clear that the youth as a group will be well-represented in this government, and here we are representing the youths to make inputs in the decision-making process. Our mission is simply to project the nation’s heritage, while consciously promoting national unity and development as enshrined in the nation’s Constitution. Undoubtedly, they align and we have a common point to meet. A leader has no impact if his vision does not align to that of his territory.
How would you leverage on the numerical strength of youths for further education and economic improvement in the State?
There is great strength in number; more youths, more workforce, more power generated, more development. Further to that, it is important to create an enabling environment where human resources are adequately deployed, in the most conducive work culture. This is key in ensuring youths are retained across diverse fields, thereby leading to the overall betterment of the economy in the state.Beyond the number, I am interested in the passion and potentials of the youths to help them navigate in developing a better society for themselves.
