The Director-General of the Ondo Youth Alliance for Tinubu (OYAT), Mr Thalis Olonite Apalowo, has called on government officials, private sector players and other stakeholders to intensify efforts at equipping young people with relevant 21st-century skills to prepare them for present and future challenges.
Apalowo made the call on Thursday while featuring on Orange 94.5 FM, Akure, as part of OYAT’s ongoing media engagement programme across Ondo State.
In a statement issued by OYAT's Media and Publicity Director, Oluwagbenga Ajongbolo, Thalis stressed that exposure, mentorship and deliberate skills development were essential to empowering youths amid growing global uncertainties, noting that these considerations informed the establishment of the alliance.
According to him, many young people lack access to opportunities and structured support systems needed to thrive, a gap OYAT was created to address.
“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 organised support for their future,” Apalowo said.
He explained that the alliance’s objectives extend beyond electoral activities, adding that OYAT is focused on building a sustainable movement of skilled, confident and competitive youths.
“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.
Speaking on the ongoing tax reforms, Apalowo dismissed criticisms of the policy, attributing the resistance to misinformation and deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
He said the reforms were designed to protect low-income earners, noting that Nigerians below a defined financial threshold were exempted from taxation.
“The new tax reform actually exempts many Nigerians from paying taxes. It is not against the poor. The revenue service is focused on the very wealthy who have evaded tax payments for years, and even they will not be overburdened,” he stated.
Apalowo also clarified that the tax law signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the harmonised version passed by the National Assembly, following input from both chambers.
On the 2027 general elections, the OYAT Director-General expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s chances in Ondo State, predicting a convincing victory.
According to him, the alliance is committed to increasing youth participation in the electoral process and mobilising young voters to support reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s economy.
“President Tinubu will win convincingly in Ondo State. Our focus is to mobilise young people with a clear understanding that ongoing reforms — from foreign exchange policies to subsidy removal and tax reforms — are geared towards building a more resilient future for them,” he said.
Apalowo added that the media engagement would continue across radio, television and print platforms as OYAT expands its outreach within the state.
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