The number of votes recorded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general elections in Ondo State may assume geometric progression if the declaration of some youths in the state is anything to go by.

A support, Ondo Youth Alliance For Tinubu(OYAT), on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital, stated that it would be pursuing massive support for the President to record minimum of one million votes in the forthcoming presidential election in the state.

The group led by Thalis Olonite Apalowo as the Director General, OYAT, told journalists at the inauguration of the group in Akure, that it’s achievable because the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the has enjoyed massive defections from different political parties in the state.

He noted that the state recorded the highest percentage of votes for the president compared to other states of the federation in the last general elections even when the opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was strong in the state.

Speaking on the reasons youths are in support of reelection of the President, Apalowo cited some youth-targeted programmes of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government, including the education loans for indigent students.

He said: “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.

“Beyond education, the Tinubu administration has also expanded access to credit and economic empowerment.

“Through initiatives like CreditCorp, over N30 billion in affordable loans have been granted to more than 150,000 Nigerians, supporting purchases of digital devices, vehicles, solar energy systems and home improvements.

“For young entrepreneurs and innovators, programmes like iDICE are unlocking opportunities in the digital and creative industries, ensuring that Nigerian youth can compete globally in technology, entertainment, and innovation.”

Apalowo, who commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunj-Ojo for his performance in office said: “One of such remarkable leaders is our own son of the soil, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Hon. Tunji-Ojo represents the very essence of youthful leadership, innovation and service.

“Since assuming office as Minister of Interior, he has brought innovation, technology and efficiency into a ministry that is central to national security and public service delivery.”

He affirmed that “A good term deserves another, we need to support the president for continuity of reforms, to build the nation to a certain standard, four years is not enough, the president coming after the eight years would build on the good foundation laid already.

“The last time Ondo State mobilized more than 360 thousand votes for Tinubu, our target is to have at least one million votes this time around, the major reason for this movement is to have more votes strength than before.”

Also, the Director of Students Affairs of the group, Fakunwumi Folorunsho, said: “Youths have come together in Ondo state today to solidify their support for Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, he has done lot of reforms in the educational sector, parents can now get their school fee paid without stress with help of NELFUND, he has been able to increase the youth corp member allowance, this is a laudable achievement.

“He has also done well in the security sector, we are giving him our mandate as Ondo State youths, we would mobilize in large numbers than before.”

In his remarks, Ibrahim Azeez, Director of community of the group, said: “We are supporting Tinubu because he has given us the best from the best, Hon Bunmi Tunji Ojo, BTO has been able to made so many reforms as the minister of interior, President Tinubu has acknowledged his work more than three occasions, we want more of him.

“BTO has been supporting we youths in Ondo State.”