The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has unveiled the Revised Lagos State Youth Policy, a strategic document designed to empower over 10 million youths residing in the state.
According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Adeola Olabisi, the unveiling event took place on Saturday and drew various stakeholders within the youth ecosystem.
In her keynote address, the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described youths as “the energy, strength, hope, invention, glory, agility, compass, light, and creativity of the Greater Lagos Rising.”
She highlighted their critical role in shaping the state’s future and urged them to engage with the policy actively.
“She underscored the central role youth play in the state’s future and urged them to complement the efforts of the state government by fulfilling their responsibilities as outlined in the document,” the statement added.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, commended partners who contributed financial resources and expertise to develop the policy.
He described the initiative as “a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Government to youth development.”
Ogunlende called on youths to embrace the policy fully, stressing the importance of “accountability and transparency” in its implementation.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu described the policy as 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 added.
The event featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including Mrs. Esther Somefun, representing UNFPA, Engineer Olamilekan Adigun, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos State Chapter), Judith Gbagidi of ActionAid Nigeria, and Chamberlain of Youth Alive Foundation.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Source: www.punchng.com
