Former Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, has advised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to be wary of sycophants and bootlickers who are ready to sway him from his determination to develop the state.
Adetokunbo, who asked Aiyedatiwa to ignore sycophants, also advised him to listen to wise counsel and focus on the development of the state rather than dancing to the tune of those who are determined to loot the resources of the state.
He also tasked Aiyedatiwa to prioritise youth development through skills acquisition programmes.
He explained that this would create thousands of jobs for the youths and make them key players in the development of the state’s economy.
The former minister stressed the need for the governor to partner with stakeholders on youth training programmes to make the youths self-reliant and contribute positively to the development of the state.
He identified investment in youths as the only way to address some of the underlying causes of instability and youth restiveness in the state.
He said, “I want to advise you against being caught up in the trap of divisiveness, distraction and lack of focus which has been foisted on previous governors in our state by the usual and omnipresent negative forces of regression since 1999.
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“Please set up a small youthful team to plan for the development of Ondo state, now. Don’t wait till after the election. Don’t wait till you win. Of course, you will win.
“Hangers-on, praise singers, boot-lickers and other -clowns will shroud your horizon and not allow you to see the challenges facing the state and the great opportunities for the future.
“We all know the usual forces in our state that really don’t care a hoot about the development of the state. But Ondo State remains bigger than every narrow individual ambition.
‘”And this happened to your predecessors notwithstanding their desire for the progress of the state. We made this point earlier. And we make it again.
“We urge the minor and relatively opposing political crowd to allow you to breathe. This is the time to stand for progress and development in Ondo state.
“On your part, please show audacity. Lead Plan to catch up and overtake. And thereafter you shall hand over to our children.”