We will equip youths to do better, says Lagos

The Lagos State Government says the government will do more for the youth in terms of equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills.

The government added that such skills would help them to support the actualisation of the smart city project which would give them a brighter future.

The Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hazmat, stated this in his keynote address at the Grand Finale of 2023 International Youth Day themed “Green Skills for Youth: Towards Sustainable World” at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.

Hamzat, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin said, “The youth population is being groomed for the future through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development. The present administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is determined to do more for them hence the addition of ‘Youth Engagement to the THEMES Plus Agenda to give more attention to them.”

Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that the International Youth Day is to raise awareness on youth related issues around the world and educate the public on the specific challenges the youth are facing in the communities.

Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that the youth who participated in the Business Amplifier Clinic were equipped with some green skills and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to adjust their product and processes to climate change and the related environmental requirement and regulations by reducing air pollution, embracing tree planting and using resources with recycling rate.

She said, “The State Government under the leadership of Mr Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will be embarking on a series of youth engagement/empowerment activities and programmes geared towards promoting youth inclusion in the socioeconomic development of Lagos State.”

UNFPA representative, Dr Somekun Esther and Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos State chapter), Biliaminu Oba stated that the programme would go a long way in helping the youths to maximize their potential in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The highlight of the week-long event was the emergence of the CEO, Plastibuild Creative Solutions, Aminu Mohammed as the overall winner of N2 million after participating in the Business Pitch that came at the end of the Business Amplifier Clinic organized for Young Entrepreneurs.