Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on leaders and stakeholders across all spheres to prioritise creating an environment where youths can reach their full potential.
Sanwo-Olu made this known in his Keynote Address during the commemoration of the year 2024 World Habitat Day at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday.
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”.
He added that unemployment, crime, and substance abuse were pressing issues tackled by his administration through robust investments in education, vocational training, and mentorship programmes.
“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 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 it to ourselves, to our children, and future generations,” he said.
Mr. Governor averred that the State Government remained 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”, 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”.
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.
He also commended the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for its dedication to promoting an inclusive urban future, which is highlighted by its focus on engaging the youth, who are crucial to the future of our city’s development.
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.
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 significant international observance aimed at raising awareness and motivating initiatives concerning the condition of human settlements globally.
