Governor Seyi Makinde’s Vision for Empowering the Future: Arise-Larika | Deji Ola*

There is no gainsaying that Governor Seyi Makinde has set unprecedented records with the massive employment drive in Oyo State.

What started as a seemingly modest step in 2021 with the TESCOM recruitment has blossomed into a comprehensive strategy to tackle unemployment and empower the youth for a sustainable future.

Four years ago, 5000 teaching staff were employed through TESCOM.

This landmark initiative not only liberated thousands of youths from the shackles of unemployment but also had a ripple effect, positively transforming the lives of their families.

For many, this was more than just employment—it was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society while uplifting their households.

Since then, the story has been one of continuous progress and inclusion.

The establishment of the Amotekun Corps brought a new dimension to youth empowerment by creating security-related jobs, thus engaging thousands of young people in the critical sector. Similarly, the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA) became another avenue for job creation, providing opportunities for youths to contribute to road traffic maintenance across the state.

The civil service recruitment drive, facilitated through the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, saw a significant number of education officers brought on board.

These steps further reinforced GSM’s commitment to reducing the unemployment rate while improving the quality of service delivery in key sectors.

However, the crown jewel of these efforts is the recent recruitment by SUBEB, TESCOM, and the Hospitals Management Board (HMB). This “mother of all recruitments” has been nothing short of revolutionary.

The sheer number of youths taken off the unemployment list is unprecedented in the history of the state.

Indeed, it is no exaggeration to call this an “echoke” moment—one that leaves no room for doubt about Governor Makinde’s dedication to empowering the future.

Governor Makinde’s employment strategy is not just about numbers; it is a deliberate effort to build a skilled workforce, strengthen public institutions, and stimulate economic growth.

By prioritizing sectors like education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure, he is laying a solid foundation for a prosperous Oyo State.
Furthermore, these initiatives reflect a deeper vision of inclusive governance. GSM’s administration recognizes that youth empowerment is a cornerstone of sustainable development.

When young people are gainfully employed, they become active contributors to societal growth, and the ripple effects—ranging from reduced poverty to improved community well-being—are immeasurable.

Governor Makinde’s employment initiatives are not mere policies; they are transformative actions that leave an enduring legacy. He has proven that leadership is about creating opportunities, investing in people, and building a future where every citizen has a chance to thrive.

As Oyo State continues to witness this wave of empowerment and development, it is evident that GSM’s approach is a model worth emulating. He is not just empowering the present generation but also securing the future of the state.