Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on leaders and stakeholders across all spheres to prioritise creating an enabling environment where youths, particularly, “can reach their full potential.”
Sanwo-Olu said fostering an environment where young people can thrive is a collective responsibility of leaders to the future generations.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke while delivering his keynote address on the occasion of the commemoration of the year 2024 World Habitat Day at Ikeja, the state capital, on Monday, emphasised the critical role of youths in changing the narratives of development and sustainable 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,” Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bar. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin said.
He emphasised the need to address the challenges confronting Nigerian youths.
“While we celebrate the potential of our youth, we must also address the social challenges they face.
“Unemployment, crime, and substance abuse are pressing issues that we continue to tackle through robust investments in education, vocational training, and mentorship programs. 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.”
“I urge all of us to reaffirm our commitment to building a city where every citizen, particularly our youth, can reach their full potential. This is a collective responsibility—we owe it to ourselves, to our children, and future generations.
“Together, we will shape a Lagos that is not only economically robust but also socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and resilient in the face of challenges,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He said the government, through various initiatives, has continued to empower the youths 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 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.
“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.”
To address problems of rapid urbanisation, housing shortages, population growth, and environmental challenges confronting the state, Sanwo-Olu said, “To effectively address these issues, we must harness the ingenuity of our youth, providing them with opportunities to lead and innovate.”
He 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.”
Speaking, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olayinka Olumide recognised the important role of young people in the development of the state.
This, he said, is reflected in the focus and strides of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration as captured by the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.
“The cities we inhabit today are the direct results of decisions made by past generations. While these decisions have brought us to where we are, the challenges we face—ranging from climate change, infrastructure decay, and economic inequality to social inclusion—require new perspectives, innovative ideas, and bold actions. And who is better to drive these changes than our youth?” he said.
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.”
World Habitat Day is a significant international observance aimed at raising awareness and motivating initiatives concerning the condition of human settlements globally.
