The Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged decision-makers and interested parties from all walks of life to give top priority to fostering an atmosphere that enables young people to realize their greatest potential.
This was revealed by Sanwo-Olu in his Keynote Address on Monday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, during the celebration of World Habitat Day in 2024.
He emphasized how important it is for young people to change the myths and
promoting a livable, sustainable environment.
“On the occasion of World Habitat Day 2024, I implore all interested parties—government organizations, business associates, civic society, and young people in leadership roles—to collaborate in order to expand the prospects for youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. We are building the groundwork for a future in which Lagos will prosper by creating an atmosphere where young people can grow, the speaker stated.
“While we celebrate the potential of our youth, we must also address the social challenges they face,” Sanwo-Olu added, highlighting the need to address issues facing Nigerian youth.
He continued by saying that his administration has made significant expenditures in education, career training, and mentorship programs in order to address pressing challenges like as substance misuse, unemployment, and crime.
“These initiatives are giving our young people the skills they need to stay away from these vices and instead become positive change agents in our society,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos’ youth must continue to be the change agents, tomorrow’s innovators, and role models for their contemporaries.
He called on all parties involved to restate their dedication to creating a city in which all residents, especially the young, have the opportunity to realize their full potential and create a Lagos that is not only economically strong but also socially and environmentally conscious, resilient to adversity, and environmentally sustainable. He declared, “We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations. This is a collective responsibility.”
According to Mr. Governor, the State Government is still committed to empowering young people in line with the objectives of the Lagos Resilience Strategy, which aims to create a metropolis that can survive the effects of climate change while also enhancing public transit and infrastructure.
“Making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable is our commitment,” he stated, referring to the objectives of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11.
Regarding World Habitat Day 2024’s topic, “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,” Sanwo-Olu emphasized, saying, “Today, we recognize the critical role our young people play in shaping the future of Lagos as well as celebrating the progress we have made in urban development.”
In his own words, Lagos is the largest city in Africa and the economic hub of Nigeria, home to approximately 22 million people. Our young people, who comprise about 51.5% of the population, are the engine of this dynamic city’s growth and creativity. Their ingenuity, dynamism, and fortitude are crucial to achieving our goal of creating a successful, sustainable, and inclusive Lagos.
In order to solve the state’s issues with increasing urbanization, housing shortages, population increase, and environmental concerns, he advocated for utilizing the inventiveness of our young people.
Additionally, he expressed his appreciation for the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban growth’s commitment to advancing an inclusive urban future, which is demonstrated by its emphasis on youth engagement, an important factor in our city’s future growth.
Prior to this, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, acknowledged the critical role that youth play in the advancement of the state during her welcoming speech.
He noted that the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda captured the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s focus and accomplishments.
“We are confident that the administration is headed in the right direction because young people are not only the future—they are the present,” he continued. Their enthusiasm, ingenuity, and novel viewpoints are precisely what our cities require to prosper in the twenty-first century.
Special Adviser for e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, and Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire were among the speakers at the event. Those in attendance included Tpl. Toyin Ayinde, the former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde.
Participants from public secondary schools, members of the State Executive Council, the Body of Permanent Secretaries, general managers of government agencies, and enthusiasts of the built environment graced the World Habitat Day 2024 celebration in Lagos, which included a panel discussion, school debate, drama, and exhibition.
World Habitat Day is a major global event that aims to inspire action and increase public awareness about the state of human settlements around the world.
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