By Dayo Johnson Akure

Youths in Ondo state under auspice of Ondo Youth Alliance for Tinubu (OYAT), have promised to deliver at least one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during the inauguration of the group, its Director-General, Thalis Olonite Apalowo, expressed optimism that the unprecedented vote target is attainable, citing strong grassroots support and a growing wave of political defections in the state.

Apalowo said that “Ondo State has historically shown remarkable support for President Tinubu. In the last general election, we recorded the highest percentage of votes for him across the federation, even in the face of a strong Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presence,” Apalowo said

Apalowo fingered the youth-focused policies and programmes by the Tinubu administration as a major factor behind the support.

The DG highlighted the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that over 510,000 students nationwide have benefited from education loans, enabling access to higher education without financial constraints.

According to him “Through this historic intervention, thousands of young Nigerians, who once thought education was beyond their reach, are now achieving their dreams.

“One of the most remarkable achievements of this administration is its commitment to youth empowerment through education and economic opportunities.

“Through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), more than 510,000 Nigerian students across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have already benefited from education loans, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial barriers.

“This historic intervention means that the dreams of thousands of young Nigerians, who once thought education was beyond their reach, are now becoming a reality.

Apalowo added that the “economic empowerment initiatives, including CreditCorp, which has disbursed more than N30 billion in affordable loans to over 150,000 Nigerians for the purchase of digital devices, vehicles, solar energy systems, and home improvements.

He also said that additional programs like iDICE are providing young entrepreneurs and innovators with opportunities to compete in the digital and creative industries globally.

Apalowo commended Ondo State’s own Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his contribution to national development and youth engagement.

According to him “Hon. Tunji-Ojo embodies youthful leadership, innovation, and service. Since assuming office, he has introduced efficiency and technological innovation in a ministry central to national security.

“A good term deserves another. Four years is not enough to fully implement reforms. Supporting President Tinubu again ensures that the foundations laid in the first term are expanded and consolidated.

” Last time, Ondo State mobilized over 360,000 votes. This time, we are targeting at least one million votes.”

Also speaking, Director of Student Affairs, Fakunmi Folorunsho, while speaking on education said, “Parents can now access NELFUND support to pay school fees without stress, and youth corps allowances have increased.

Fakunmi said “We are solidifying youth support for President Tinubu because of tangible reforms in education, security, and economic empowerment.”

Also, the group’s Director of Community Affairs, Ibrahim Azeez, added, that “Our support for Tinubu is grounded in results. The impactful work of Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of Interior has been nationally recognized. Ondo youths want more of such leadership that benefits our communities directly.

Azeez said that the Minister “has also done well in the security sector, we are giving him our mandate as Ondo State youths, we would mobilize in larger numbers than before.”