Digitally empowered youths’ll drive Lagos prosperity- Youth Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende has said that the dream of building greater Lagos cannot be actualised without digital empowerment of the youth.

The Commissioner who underscored the importance of equipping young people with digital skills to ensure future prosperity of the state, spoke in Alausa, Ikeja on Monday, during a press conference to commemorate the Y2024 International Youth Day.

The Commissioner emphasized that the state’s youth population is a vital asset, adding that empowering them with the necessary digital tools and knowledge is crucial to Lagos’ long-term development.

“The future of Lagos lies in the hands of our youth, and by providing them with the digital skills they need, we are laying the foundation for a greater Lagos,” Ogunlende said.

He further explained that the Lagos State Government has implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy among the youth, including partnerships with tech companies, digital training programs, and the establishment of innovation hubs across the state.

These efforts, he noted, are designed to prepare young Lagosians for the challenges of the digital age and to create opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

Ogunlende said the theme of this year’s International Youth Day, which focuses on leveraging digital technology for sustainable development, is calling on young people in Lagos to take advantage of the resources and opportunities provided by the government to enhance their digital capabilities.

In his keynote address on the theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” Mr Ogunlende said, “The theme emphasizes the crucial role of youth in leveraging digital technologies to a sustainable future in today’s data-driven world.”

According to him, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration, in recognizing the crucial role of youth in today’s Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous and Disruptive (VUCAD) world, has deliberately included youth empowerment and engagement as one of the pillars of the THEMES plus Agenda to ensure that issues affecting the young people in the State receive the deserved attention.

Highlighting the efforts made by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development in supporting the youth,Mr Ogunlende said,” in collaboration with GFA Technologies and WEMA Bank PLC, we launched the Lagos State Upskill Program (LAG-UP) which aims to equip over one hundred thousand young people with digital and employability skills.

“We also partnered the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency (LASRRA), to begin registering all young people between 18 and 35 years of age, ensuring accurate data collection for effective planning and resource allocation.

“Last year, we organised the Amplifier Business Clinic for young entrepreneurs, where participants learned various strategies for business success, they were attached to mentors and received start-up tools and financial support to scale up their enterprises.”

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said, “Youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the driving force of today, and their active participation in shaping the future of our society is essential. We will be engaging in a variety of events that aim to equip our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”