Apalowo Calls for Expanded Skills Acquisition for Youth as OYAT Kicks Off Media Engagement.
The Director-General of the Ondo Youth Alliance for Tinubu (OYAT), Thalis Olonite Apalowo, MLS, has called on stakeholders and duty bearers to intensify efforts toward empowering young people with relevant 21st-century skills, particularly in Ondo State and across Nigeria.
Apalowo made this call while speaking on Orange 94.5FM, Akure, as part of OYAT’s ongoing media engagement. He emphasized that adequate exposure, mentorship, and skills development are critical to preparing young people for both present realities and unforeseen future challenges.
According to him, today’s youth require deliberate support systems to thrive amid growing global uncertainties. He noted that this conviction informed the creation of OYAT.
“This is why we created OYAT, to bridge existing gaps and give young people a true sense of belonging. The alliance is determined to change the narrative by providing mentorship, access to established structures, and organized support for their future,” Apalowo said.
He stressed that OYAT’s vision goes beyond electoral cycles, noting that the alliance is focused on building a sustainable movement of skilled, confident, and competitive young people.
“Elections will come and go, but our priority is to raise young people with the requisite skills to stand out among their peers. With the right guidance and chaperoning, their potential is limitless,” he added.
On the new tax reforms, Apalowo insisted the resistance to the reform was encouraged by misinformation and deliberate distortion of facts and figures. He reminded Nigerians that the tax reform will not target those below a certain financial threshold.
“The new tax reform actually exempts many Nigerians from paying taxes. It’s not against the poor. In fact, the law is protecting them. It’s the best that has happened to our economy. The revenue service is after the very wealthy and affluent, who had comfortably evaded tax payments from years past. Even the same wealthy won’t be overburdened. Across the world, payment of tax is compulsory.
“I was listening to the NRS Chairman the other day. He affirmed that the President signed into law what was presented and passed by the National Assembly. The concern about the law could stem from the versions passed by the two federal houses. The National Assembly has a harmonization committee on any bill. This committee addresses concerns from both houses, fine tunes the bill and then sends the agreed version to Mr. President to append his signature. Those spreading misinformation, including the honourable member that raised the red flag, are only being disingenuous and overzealous.”
Reacting to questions on the 2027 general elections, Apalowo expressed strong confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prospects in Ondo State, assuring of a decisive victory.
“President Tinubu will win convincingly in Ondo State. Our goal is to further increase youth participation and mobilize more young people to vote, with a clear understanding that the ongoing reforms,ranging from foreign exchange policies to subsidy removal and tax reforms, are geared toward building a more resilient country for their future,” he said.
Apalowo noted that the media engagement will continue across other radio, television, and print platforms as the alliance deepens its outreach.
Oluwagbenga Ajongbolo,
Media and Publicity Director,
Ondo Youth Alliance for Tinubu (OYAT).