The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has unveiled the Revised Lagos State Youth Policy.
This is in a bid to enhance the development and empowerment of over ten million youths residing in the state.
The historic event, which attracted various stakeholders within the youth ecosystem, took place today at the Luxury Party Event Centre, Alausa.
Delivering the keynote address at the unveiling event, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described youths as “the energy, strength, hope, invention, glory, agility, compass, light, and creativity of the Greater Lagos Rising.”
She underscored the central role youth play in the state’s future and urged them to actively engage with the policy and complement the efforts of the state government by fulfilling their responsibilities as outlined in the document.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended the partners who contributed financial resources and expertise towards framing the policy.
He described the initiative as “a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Government to youth development”, just as he called on the youth to embrace the policy fully, emphasizing the importance of “accountability and transparency” in its implementation.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that the policy represents a pivotal milestone in creating an enabling environment for the youth to thrive.
“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.
Goodwill messages from various stakeholders, including Mrs. Esther Somefun (representing UNFPA), Engineer Olamilekan Adigun (Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter), Judith Gbagidi (representing ActionAid Nigeria), and Mr Chamberlain (representing Youth Alive Foundation), reiterated the relevance of the document.
They urged the youth to take full ownership of the policy and ensure its effective implementation over the next five years before its next review. (vitalnewsngr.com)
