A job seeker, Blessing Oluwajuwonlo Oripenaye, on Monday appeared at the entrance of the Alagbaka Governor’s Office in Akure, seeking an audience with Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over employment.
Oripenaye, who has been trending on social media in recent weeks, said he had written several letters and made repeated appeals to the governor, requesting an opportunity within the state workforce.
He explained that his decision to visit the Government House followed 14 days of unsuccessful attempts to get a response from the governor, whom he described as his kinsman.
The university graduate added that he had consistently tagged the governor, the deputy governor, and other top government officials on social media in a bid to draw attention to his request, but received no reply.
“I have written letters for 14 days through social media, tagging the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Chief Press Secretary and other key officials, respectfully requesting a job opportunity, but I got no response,” he said.
Oripenaye clarified that his action was not intended as a protest but rather a personal appeal for assistance, noting that his presence at the governor’s office with a banner was meant to attract attention to his situation.
“This is not a protest against the Governor or an attack on his person. I am only asking for a chance. I believe if I seek, I will find,” he added.
He said he chose to remain at the entrance of the Government House in the hope that the governor or his aides would take notice of his plea.
“If nobody informs the Governor about me, I will make myself known. With just one phone call, the Governor can change my future,” he said.
He also said he would continue to return to the location daily while awaiting a response.
“I will be here every day until 5 p.m. I need a job and I want to contribute to the development of my state and my country,” Mr Oripenaye added.
Showing solidarity, a former student union leader and aspirant for the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez appealed to the state government to address youth unemployment by responding to the plight of Mr Oripenaye.
He stressed that tackling poverty and unemployment among Nigerian youths requires urgent and proactive government intervention, noting that rising joblessness continues to fuel criminal activities across the country.
Afeez maintained that meaningful engagement of young people through job creation would not only reduce crime but also prepare them to take on future leadership responsibilities.
“Earlier today, in solidarity, I joined Blessing Oluwajuwonlo Oripenaye in appealing to the Governor of Ondo State, H.E Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for a job opportunity.
“I strongly believe in this cause. The government must be proactive and take poverty alleviation seriously. The vast majority of Nigerian youths are without jobs, and the best the government can do, at a time when criminality is deepening, is to take as many youths off the streets as possible through job creation and security.
“The future of this country lies with the youths; hence, we must prioritize engaging and equipping them, making them responsible enough to shoulder the responsibilities and demands that come with being the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
Reacting, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the demand of Mr Oripenaye had already received attention.
“The governor has immediately taken up his request and asked him to submit his résumé with a view to offering him employment. So, his matter will be looked into, and he has been assured, he said.
The development comes amid growing concerns over unemployment, with many young Nigerians increasingly resorting to unconventional means to seek opportunities.
