“WE WILL NOT STOP INVESTING IN OUR YOUTHS” – SANWO-OLU

The Lagos State Government has assured the youths of more support in terms of capacity building and financial empowerment.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu gave this commitment at the Grand March Past/Parade by Uniformed Voluntary Organisations to mark the Grand Finale of the Y2024 International Youth Day Celebration held on Wednesday at Campos Memorial Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.

In his words, “As a government, we will continue to invest in our youths. The theme of this year’s programme: ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways to Sustainable Development’ shows the critical role our youths play in building our nation. We have put in place various policies and initiatives to help empower our young people to maximise their potential. We have the Eko Employability Programme, Lagos Innovative Initiative, Lagos Youth Parliament, National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos State Chapter) and Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, among others, which are some of the initiatives aimed at empowering our youths with leadership and entrepreneurial skills”.

With the assurance that Lagos State will remain a beacon of hope and innovation, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the youths to remain steadfast in the pursuit of their dream and channel their energy, innovativeness and creativity towards activities that will help them contribute to the economic development of Lagos.

Earlier in his keynote address, the State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende affirmed that the Ministry would continue to implement policies and programmes that will create a conducive environment for the youth to engage in profitable and legitimate activities.

He said, “The theme of this year’s International Youth Day encapsulates the critical role our youths have to play in building our nation. The youths are our leaders of tomorrow starting today. It is because of this fact that we have organised the Amplifier Business Clinic, Lagos State Upskill Programme (LAG-UP), and inaugurated the Technical Working Group to ensure that the youth demography is well catered for.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to youth development which is evident in his prompt response to issues affecting the youths in Lagos.

She urged the youths, who emerged as winners in the Pitch Contest, to utilise the grant given to them for the purpose it was meant to justify the resources expended on the Amplifier Business Clinic.

The event witnessed the presentation of grants by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to eight young entrepreneurs who participated successfully in the Business Pitch Contest with #2.5 million awarded to the owner of Machoice Company Ltd, Maryam Atolagbe who emerged as the overall winner.

Other winners include the CEO, Sundry Agro Ltd, Eyitayo Onigbinde (#2 million); CEO, Ennie Wears, Eniola Roberts (#1.5million); CEO, Banny Nutri Wellness Ltd, Aishat Sarumi (#1.25million); CEO, of Cornerstone Blessings, Temidayo Ogunleke (#1.0million); CEO, Dharkag Foods, Kofoworola Awoyera (#750,000.00); CEO, Boomence Naturals, Lawal Aminat (#500,000.00) and CEO, BMC Health Lab, Ivie Bukola Omolara (#500,000.00).