Sanwo-Olu urges stakeholders to support youths

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on stakeholders across all spheres to prioritise creating an environment where youths can reach their full potential.

Sanwo-Olu stated this in a keynote address during the commemoration of the year 2024 World Habitat Day in Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

He emphasised the critical role of youth in changing the narratives and fostering a sustainable, livable 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.

 “Unemployment, crime, and substance abuse were pressing issues tackled by his administration through robust investments in education, vocational training, and mentorship programs.

“These efforts are equipping our youth with the tools they need to avoid these vices and instead become agents of positive societal transformation.”

Sanwo-Olu stressed that the youth of Lagos must remain the architects of change, the innovators of tomorrow, and the inspiration for their peers.

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 to ourselves, to our children, and to future generations. The state government remains focused on empowering the youth to align with the goals of the Lagos resilience strategy, which seeks to build a city capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change, improve infrastructure, and enhance public transportation systems.

“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.

“On the theme of World Habitat Day 2024, ‘Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,’ 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,” he noted.

According to the governor, 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 per cent 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,” he added.

He called for harnessing the ingenuity of our youth to address problems of rapid urbanisation, housing shortages, population growth, and environmental challenges confronting the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, who delivered the welcome address, recognised the important role of young people in the development of the state.

That, 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+ 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.”