SANWO-OLU TASKS LEADERS ON ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUTH TO THRIVE
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The Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged decision-makers and interested parties from all walks of life to give top priority to fostering an atmosphere that enables young people to realize their greatest potential.
This was revealed by Sanwo-Olu in his Keynote Address on Monday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, during the celebration of World Habitat Day in 2024.
He emphasized how important it is for young people to change the myths and promoting a livable, sustainable environment.
“As we commemorate World Habitat Day 2024, I urge all stakeholders – government agencies, private sector partners, civil society, and youth leaders – to work together in creating more opportunities for youth-driven entrepreneurship and innovation. By fostering an environment where young people can thrive, we are laying the foundation for a future in which Lagos will continue to flourish”, he said.
Emphasising the need to address challenges confronting Nigerian youths, Sanwo-Olu said, “While we celebrate the potential of our youth, we must also address the social challenges they face”.
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He continued by saying that his administration has made significant expenditures in education, career training, and mentorship programs in order to address pressing challenges like as substance misuse, unemployment, and crime.
“These efforts are equipping our youth with the tools they need to avoid these vices and instead become agents of positive societal transformation”, he said.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos’ youth must continue to be the change agents, tomorrow’s innovators, and role models for their contemporaries.
He urged all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to building a city where every citizen, particularly the youth, could reach their full potential and shape a Lagos that is not only economically robust but also socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and resilient in the face of challenges. “This is a collective responsibility – we owe it to ourselves, to our children, and future generations,” he said.
According to Mr. Governor, the State Government is still committed to empowering young people in line with the objectives of the Lagos Resilience Strategy, which aims to create a metropolis that can survive the effects of climate change while also enhancing public transit and infrastructure.
“Our commitment extends to achieving the aims of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11 – to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable”, he said.
Speaking to the theme of the World Habitat Day 2024, “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future”. Sanwo-Olu emphasised that “Today, we not only celebrate the progress we have made in urban development but also recognise the critical role our young people play in shaping the future of Lagos.
His words, “With over 22 million residents, Lagos stands as Africa’s largest city and Nigeria’s economic powerhouse. Our youth, who make up approximately 51.5% of this population, are the driving force behind the growth and innovation that define this vibrant city. Their creativity, energy, and resilience are essential to the realisation of our vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Lagos”.
In order to solve the state’s issues with increasing urbanization, housing shortages, population increase, and environmental concerns, he advocated for utilizing the inventiveness of our young people.
Additionally, he expressed his appreciation for the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban growth’s commitment to advancing an inclusive urban future, which is demonstrated by its emphasis on youth engagement, an important factor in our city’s future growth.
Prior to this, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, acknowledged the critical role that youth play in the advancement of the state during her welcoming speech.
This, he said, was reflected in the focus and strides of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration as captured by the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
He added, “We are convinced that the administration is on the right track, as young people are not just the future; they are the present. Their energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives are exactly what our cities need to thrive in the 21st century”.
Others who spoke at the event were the Special Adviser, e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde and Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire; While former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Toyin Ayinde and Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde, among others, were in attendance.
The celebration of World Habitat Day 2024 in Lagos, which featured panel discussion, school debate, drama and exhibition was graced by members of the State Executive Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries, General Managers of government agencies, youth from public secondary schools and lovers of the built environment.
World Habitat Day is a major global event that aims to inspire action and increase public awareness about the state of human settlements around the world.
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