The lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju state constituency at the Oyo State House Assembly, Hon. Adeola Bamidele has assured that the proposed investment bill when enacted and implemented, will reduce the high rate of youths’ unemployment in the State.
The bill which was sent to the house by the executive arm, led by Governor Seyi Makinde is seeking the establishment of an investment agency that will be saddled with the responsibilities of driving both local and foreign investors into the State, restoration and monitoring of moribund State owned industries and management of all public, private partnership projects.
Speaking at the floor of the house, Adeola noted that criminal activities, drug abuse and other social vices been perpetrated by youths in the society are often due to idleness and lack of gainful engagement of the energy and skills.
According to him, if Nigerians are gainfully employed, youths are busy putting their skills into use and everyone can earn enough and live happily, the country will not be spending heavily on fighting insecurity and other criminal acts.
He said, “When I look at the number graduates, population of students that are about to graduate and the rate of unemployment the society, I boldly say this bill will reduce unemployment and subsequently control hooliganism, idleness and criminal acts often perpetrated by jobless youths.
“When we have investors coming into Oyo State and the government gives them every necessary support, then jobs will be created and both skilled and unskilled labour will be involved.
“The only thing is that as lawmakers, we need to give the bill a thorough review and make sure it is strong enough to serve its purpose and should be able to stand the test of time.
“That is why I was emphasizing on the accountability of the activities of the proposed bill’s board members on the floor of the house.”
Speaking on the mineral resources agency development motion brought to the house by his neighbouring lawmaker, Hon. Adedibu Hakeem representing Iwajowa constituency, Adeola said, “If we decide make explore our mineral resources, that is when we will discover lot of fund lying in the bush, which are free gift of nature to our dear state.
“Looking at my own constituency there is a place call Oshogun, where Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther was born. There are huge mineral resources in this village but sadly this village appears empty with less occupants.
“These are areas we have to look into as the representatives of the people. Let us talk to the executive, let the executive partner with the federal government and other stakeholders, so that will can attain industrial greatness in Oyo State.”
