Lagos – The Lagos State Government has promised to do more for the youth in terms of equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to support the actualisation of the smart city project which will give them a brighter future.
The state Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Kadri Hazmat gave the promise in his keynote address at the Grand Finale of Y2023 International Youth Day themed “Green Skills for Youth: Towards Sustainable World” held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa.
Hamzat, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin said, “the youth population is being groomed for the future through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
“The present administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is determined to do more for them hence the addition of ‘Youth Engagement to the THEMES Plus Agenda in order to give more attention to them.”
The Deputy Governor urged participants at the event to utilize the knowledge they acquired to contribute their quota to Lagos State Smart City project.
Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the International Youth Day is set aside by the United Nations to draw ” attention of government agencies, non- governmental organizations, academic institutions, businesses and other relevant stakeholders to the need to focus on young people as important resources in community and nation building.
” It is to raise awareness on youth related issues around the world and educate the public on the specific challenges the youth are facing in the communities.”
Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that the youth that participated in the Business Amplifier Clinic were equipped with some green skills and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to adjust their product and processes to climate change and the related environmental requirement and regulations by reducing air pollution, embracing tree planting and using resources with recycling rate.
According to her, the State Government under the leadership of Mr Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will be embarking on a series of youth engagement/empowerment activities and programmes geared towards promoting youth inclusion in the socioeconomic development of the State.
In their goodwill messages, UNFPA representative,Dr Somekun Esther and Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Biliaminu Oba stated that the programme will go a long way in helping the youths in maximizing their potentials in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlight of the week long event was the emergence of the CEO, Plastibuild Creative Solutions,Aminu Mohammed as the overall winner of N2million after participating in the Business Pitch that came up at the end of the Business Amplifier Clinic organized for Young Entrepreneurs.
CEO, Biwunmi Nig Ltd, Aisha Ibironke and CEO,Damliz Pastries Business, Elizabeth Adebayo were amongst other winners in Business Pitch who went home with handsome financial rewards.
(vitalnewsngr.com)