Aiyedatiwa appoints former NANS Senate president as youth aide

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has appointed Henry Okunomo, a former Senate president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), as Special Assistant on Youth and Social Inclusion.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter dated October 22, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. However, the appointment takes effect from October 5, 2026.

As part of the requirements for assuming office, Fasoranti directed Okunomo to obtain and submit his asset declaration form to the Code of Conduct Bureau. He was also instructed to liaise with the appropriate government department regarding his salary and other entitlements.

Reacting to the appointment on Wednesday, Okunomo thanked Aiyedatiwa for the opportunity to serve, describing the role as a platform to contribute to youth empowerment and promote inclusive governance in the state.

He said his priority would be to ensure that the concerns, needs and aspirations of young people across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas received adequate attention in government policies and programmes.

The new appointee added that his experience in student unionism, particularly his leadership role at NANS, had given him insight into the challenges facing young people and reinforced his belief in their capacity to contribute meaningfully to decision-making.

Okunomo urged the government and other stakeholders to recognise young people as active participants in governance and national development rather than regarding them merely as leaders of the future. He also commended Aiyedatiwa for recognising the potential of youths through the appointment.

He pledged to discharge his responsibilities with integrity, fairness and dedication, assuring young people of his commitment to promoting equal opportunities and ensuring that their interests were adequately reflected in Ondo State’s development agenda.