Ondo gov appoints ex-NANS official youth aide

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

This is contained in a letter dated October 22, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, seen by PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

The letter, addressed to Okunomo, stated, “I am pleased to inform you that the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved your appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor (Youth and Social Inclusion), with effect from 5th October, 2026.”

The SSG directed Okunomo to visit the Code of Conduct Bureau to obtain, complete and submit his assets declaration form before assuming office.

“Kindly liaise with the Political and Economic Affairs Department for details of your remuneration and other benefits of the position,” the letter added.

The Secretary to the State Government congratulated Henry on his appointment and requested that he acknowledge receipt of the letter.

Reacting to the appointment in a statement on Wednesday, Okunomo expressed appreciation to the governor for the appointment, describing it as a call to greater service and an opportunity to contribute to youth development and social inclusion in the state.

He thanked Aiyedatiwa for finding him worthy of the responsibility, saying he was committed to advancing the interests of young people across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas.

Related News

• Ondo crash: NAF guarantees pay for victims’ kin until death benefits clear
• NANS rejects Ado Poly fee hike, demands immediate reversal
• Ondo APC youths back national leader, Dayo Israel

“This appointment is not merely a personal milestone; it is a call to greater service, a renewed obligation to humanity, and an opportunity to deepen my commitment to the aspirations of young people across the eighteen local government areas of our dear state,” he said.

Okunomo, who said his experience in student leadership and youth advocacy had strengthened his understanding of young people’s challenges and aspirations, called for their meaningful participation in governance.

He said young people should not be regarded merely as leaders of tomorrow but as partners in governance and nation-building.

“Having served in various student leadership capacities, including as President of the Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students, I understand the yearnings, challenges, and aspirations of young people,” he said.

He also commended the governor for recognising the importance of youth participation in the administration of the state, adding that young people should be given opportunities to contribute their ideas, creativity and talents to its development.

The new aide pledged loyalty to Aiyedatiwa’s administration and promised to discharge his duties with humility, integrity and diligence.

“I shall discharge this responsibility with humility, integrity, diligence, and an unrelenting commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, accessibility, and inclusion,” he said.