The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has launched the Revised Lagos State Youth Policy.
The event, held on Friday at the Luxury Party Event Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together key stakeholders from across the youth ecosystem.
Delivering the keynote address, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, highlighted the vital role of youth in the state’s growth. She described them as “The energy, strength, hope, invention, glory, agility, compass, light, and creativity of the Greater Lagos Rising.”
Salu-Hundeyin urged the youth to engage actively with the policy and support government efforts by fulfilling their responsibilities as outlined in the document.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, praised the collaboration that brought the policy to life. He described it as a testament to the state’s commitment to youth development.
“This initiative is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Government to youth development,” Ogunlende said. He called on the youth to embrace the policy, stressing the need for “accountability and transparency” in its implementation.
Pharmacist (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, hailed the policy as a pivotal milestone for creating opportunities for Lagos State youth.
“It is a dynamic roadmap for unlocking the potential of the youth in Lagos State. By integrating new perspectives and realities, we aim to ensure the document remains relevant. This is a call to action for our youth to seize opportunities and translate the policy’s provisions into tangible outcomes,” she said.
Several goodwill messages underscored the significance of the policy. Mrs. Esther Somefun of UNFPA, Engineer Olamilekan Adigun (Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter), Judith Gbagidi from ActionAid Nigeria, and Mr. Chamberlain representing Youth Alive Foundation, all emphasized the document’s relevance. They urged youth to take full ownership of the policy and ensure its effective implementation over the next five years before its review.
The Revised Lagos State Youth Policy represents a bold step toward empowering over 10 million youths in the state, providing them with a comprehensive framework to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Lagos’ development. It is now up to the youth to rise to the challenge and make the most of this opportunity.
