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 recently trended on social media, 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.
“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.
The university graduate clarified that his action was not a protest but a personal appeal for assistance, noting that his presence at the governor’s office with a banner was intended to draw 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.
Oripenaye said he would continue to return daily, waiting at the Government House entrance in the hope that the governor or his aides would respond.
“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.
In a show of support, a former student union leader and aspirant for the presidency of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, urged the state government to address youth unemployment by responding to Oripenaye’s appeal.
He stressed that tackling poverty and unemployment among Nigerian youths requires urgent and proactive government intervention, warning that rising joblessness continues to fuel criminal activities.
“The government must take poverty alleviation seriously. The vast majority of Nigerian youths are without jobs, and meaningful engagement through job creation will reduce crime and prepare them for future leadership,” he said.
Reacting, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the matter had already received attention.
According to him, the governor has directed Oripenaye to submit his résumé for consideration, with a view to offering him employment.
“The governor has immediately taken up his request and asked him to submit his résumé. His matter will be looked into, and he has been assured,” Adeniyan said.
The development comes amid growing concerns over unemployment, with many young Nigerians increasingly resorting to unconventional means to seek job opportunities.
