Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State stressed on Friday the need to build the capacity of Nigerian youths for national growth and development.
Sanwo-Olu made the remark during a courtesy visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development led by its Chairman, Martin Esin, held at Alausa, Lagos.
The governor was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
He said the state government was open to collaborations that would drive youth development and nation-building.
“Our THEMES PLUS Agenda, with the PLUS, which means social inclusion and youth empowerment, focuses more on youth empowerment.
Sanwo-Olu called for the activation of the National Council for Youth Development.
Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the council’s collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) would create more opportunities for youths with great ideas and innovations.
Earlier in his remarks, Esin said the committee was ready to activate the National Youth Council for Youth Development.
According to him, this is a platform where the Federal Ministry of Youth Development engages with state commissioners for youth development and supervisors of local governments to infuse ideas that would take the youth to greater heights.
He, therefore, called for collaboration with the state government on legislation that could drive youth development in the country.
Esin said the members of the committee are focused on youth development.
According to him, the committee’s agenda was captured in the acronym SOS, which stands for Skills, Opportunities, and Support.
“For skills, this is one area that is lacking. It is obvious now that the government cannot provide employment for all of the youth.
“All that the youth of this country require now is entrepreneurship, opportunities, and support from the government.
“The youth of this country are in a “SOS” save our souls situation, which is devastating.
“So, what they require at this time are skills, opportunities, and support. We are looking at how we are going to give these to the youth,” he said.
Esin also urged the Lagos State Government to timely pay allowances, subsidised meals, and drugs for NYSC members serving in the state. (NAN)
