The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State chapter, Ibrahim Adigun, has called for increased inclusion of young people in governance at all levels, stressing that meaningful engagement of the youth is essential for national development.
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Speaking in an interview on the occasion of International Youth Day 2025 (August 12), Adigun noted that Nigerian youth have amplified their voices more than ever before, thanks to the advent of social media, which has provided diverse platforms for advocacy and self-expression.
“Unlike before, young people now have different avenues to speak out whenever they are in any situation whatsoever. Beyond lamenting online, they are taking their destiny into their own hands by actively engaging in various activities,” he said.
Highlighting recent government efforts, Adigun commended initiatives at the national, state, and local levels aimed at empowering young people. He cited the Lagos State Governor’s recent empowerment of over 5,000 youth, federal government programs under the Ministry of Youth, and the state’s sponsorship of 16 young people for a study tour in Canada.
He added that several local government councils in Lagos are also rolling out youth engagement programs, creating a “healthy competition” in community empowerment.
“Is it enough? No. Do we need more? Yes. Do we need to be actively engaged? Absolutely,” he emphasised.
Adigun, however, expressed concern about the underrepresentation of youth in elective positions, noting that many elected “youth” leaders fall outside the official age bracket.
“We’ve told the government that there’s a need to increase the engagement of young people in all spaces because they make up about 60% of Lagos’ population. If we trickle engagements from the state level down to the local level, it will help us achieve our mantra: Build the youth, build the nation,” he stated.
On activities to mark International Youth Day, Adigun revealed that all 57 local governments and council development areas in Lagos are hosting events ranging from sports competitions to drug abuse prevention campaigns and soft skills development programmes.
“Looking at the vision and the theme of this year’s International Youth Day, which focuses on youth action in SDGs and beyond, we believe collaboration and partnership will enable young people to achieve our goals,” he concluded.
