WHERE'S THE IMPACT? CONSTITUENT QUESTIONS ADEGBESAN YOUTH INITIATIVE - Neighborhoodmic Media

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Wednesday, July 2, 2025

WHERE'S THE IMPACT? CONSTITUENT QUESTIONS ADEGBESAN YOUTH INITIATIVE

A concerned constituent, referred to as "Anelka" by Hon. Engr. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan in his response, has sparked a constructive dialogue with the Member of the House of Representatives representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, over the status of youth development initiatives discussed in December 2023. The constituent's message expressed interest in the progress of the initiatives and inquired about tangible outcomes or breakthroughs since the meeting with the Minister of Youth Development and the Director-General of NYSC.

Hon. Adegbesan responded promptly, providing a detailed update on the initiatives and progress made so far. He appreciated the constituent's engagement and commitment to the growth of their constituency. According to him, as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, he has been actively engaged with key stakeholders in the youth development space, including the Honourable Minister of Youth Development and the Director-General of NYSC.

One of the notable achievements highlighted by Hon. Adegbesan was the recommendation for entrepreneurship and digital skills programs. He mentioned that the National Youth Empowerment Trust Fund (NYETF) has been proposed and earmarked for pilot programs targeting tech startups and agro-based enterprises across federal constituencies, including theirs. He is actively advocating for their constituency to be among the early beneficiaries of this initiative.

Also, Hon. Adegbesan mentioned the Skill to Wealth initiative, which has trained youths in agriculture, solar installation, and automobile technology across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. He also highlighted a bill he sponsored to establish a National Vocational Centre in each of the 774 Local Government Areas, which has been approved by all committee members concerned and is expected to be passed this month.

In terms of budget allocation, Hon. Adegbesan noted that the 2025 Appropriation Act has provided a notable increase in capital votes for youth-centered programs compared to 2024. As Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, he has ensured that strong oversight mechanisms are in place to guarantee effective implementation of these programs.

The honorable member also mentioned his efforts to stimulate small businesses and uplift livelihoods. Motorcycles, fertilizers, sewing machines, and grinding machines have been distributed to empower artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs, most of whom are youths. Grants have also been awarded to market men and women to help boost and expand their businesses. In addition, educational support remains a top priority, with over 400 students benefiting from his annual payment of May/June WAEC, June/July NECO, and GCE exam registration fees across the constituency.

Hon. Adegbesan reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, stating that it remains central to their legislative and oversight agenda. He welcomed further dialogue, suggestions, and partnerships from constituents and rest assured them of his commitment to transparent service delivery and sustainable development for their people.

The concerned constituent, while appreciative of Hon. Adegbesan's efforts, hopes that these empowerment initiatives will be extended to genuine beneficiaries across the constituency, without any partisan bias. It is essential that the benefits of these programs are felt by all who need them, regardless of their political affiliations. When that is done, Hon. Adegbesan can ensure that his initiatives have a lasting impact on the lives of his constituents.

This exchange between the constituent and Hon. Adegbesan demonstrates the power of constituent engagement and the importance of holding elected officials accountable for their actions. By speaking up and seeking updates on initiatives that matter, constituents can encourage their representatives to prioritize their needs and work towards delivering tangible results. As Hon. Adegbesan noted, he is committed to serving as a bridge between the people and the government, making laws that promote the well-being of his constituents.

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