Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that there is an urgent need for government at all levels to prioritize youth development, empowerment and mentoring.
The governor said, more than ever before, the recent Endsars protest must be seen as a “wakeup call for government at all levels to do more for our young people who are demanding for better opportunities and engagements”.
Sanwo-Olu stated this at the weekend while commissioning projects at two local councils in the state. The first was the commissioning of a new 28 room administrative block constructed by Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, Ketu and named after the late Senator Bayo Osinowo and another newly constructed 3-storey ultra-modern secretariat extension at Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area at Nadia.
Sanwo-Olu said adequate provisions must be made in the new fiscal year to ensure the welfare of young people.
“As we prepare for a new fiscal year, let us ensure that adequate plans are put in place to, more than the current year, ensure that the welfare of our young people, women, elderly and the physically challenged are well catered for.
Adding that at the State level, special provision has been made for youth capacity development in the 2021 budget presented to the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“We have also put in place avenues for our youths to have access to loans and grants through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. All these and many more we would continue to do to ensure our youths are given the opportunity to thrive and maximize their potentials.
The government commended the young people of Agboyi – Ketu LCDA for ensuring that public assets especially the Council Secretariat did not suffer destruction, vandalization or looting during the Endsars protest which was hijacked by hoodlums.
The governor reiterated that his administration will continue to work in partnership with Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas to ensure inclusive governance at the grassroot.
In addition to inaugurating the new Apapa-Iganmu secretariat complex named after the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gov. Sanwo-Olu also commissioned 13 newly constructed and rehabilitated roads, a library complex and Primary Health Centre delivered by the Apapa Iganmu LCDA chairman, Dr. Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed.