Date: 2020-08-14

If you want to know the special people, look carefully around; they are the ones who make you feel more special than you see yourself.

For Kwara youths on Wednesday, that was the experience. His Excellency, Governor AbdulRazaq engaged the youths for 2hrs 30 mins explaining his actions so far and plans for the state in the future. It was a special moment.

You don't get such an opportunity every time. Whereas he has demonstrated with his appointments his love for youth and women, the zoom meeting showed again he respects and values youth engagement. I could remember at some point he even said anyone who has a nice idea or project should come forward, this administration is willing to partner with them. The clincher!

Did we ever had it so fine!?

He felt so cool and sounded so receptive. He was calling everyone by their names. "Sofiyah, that is a great question." "Adetola, thanks for raising that point." And so on and so forth.

Despite how laudable the recent approval for innovation hub and visual arts complexes, they appear to be just a tip of the iceberg. Governor AbdulRazaq has a deep vision to make the Kwara youth drivers of a digital and new economy in North Central.

The meeting points were broad but fruitful. Part of the immediate gains of the meeting with the youth is the decision that IVTEC Ajase Ipo school fees be reduced. How more do you show you take advice and value public opinion?

A day later, the Governor also met with the cabinet and charged them to come up with ideas to generate employment for our teeming youths. To him, the youths are better engaged and made better in life. Thank God, Kwara has changed. There was a time the politicians give our youths okadas and maruwas and cutlasses to kill each other because of their own selfish political interests! O'to ge to hooliganism!

I can imagine the happiness in the minds of the participants at the zoom meeting with the Governor. You know some things are little but they count. To be in front of the governor, saying your opinions and making suggestions while he writes everything down sort of make one feel really special. Yes, they are! Aside from building schools, constructing roads, healthcare centres, and social investment programmes, one another thing HE AbdulRazaq has given to the youth and indeed every Kwaran is respect.

It is delightful to note that people no longer need to beg to see the governor or kneel down when talking to him. As God continues to guide AA, we should all join him in rebuilding the state for good. I am happy!