Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young people, urging them to embrace values that will make them agents of justice, equity, and innovation in society.
The Governor gave the charge on Friday while presenting grants to winners of this year’s Amplifier Business Clinic at the 2025 International Youth Day Summit, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, held at the Blue Roof, Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event, said young people must rise to leadership by valuing time, demonstrating integrity, embracing positivity, avoiding procrastination, and seizing opportunities provided by the state to thrive in various fields.
He described youth as “partners in progress” and assured that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare as the state’s most valuable assets.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, in his welcome remarks, emphasised that youth are central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that the theme of this year’s summit, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, underscored the importance of grassroots involvement.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Mr. Fela Durotoye, President of the Gemstone Leadership Initiative, challenged the youth to embrace responsibility, creativity, and vision while leveraging technology to create impact.
He noted that leadership begins with small acts of positive change that can grow into global influence, citing figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela as examples.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an 18-seater bus to the Lagos State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and grant awards to 86 Voluntary Youth Organisations as well as winners of the Amplifier Business Clinic.
Among the winners were Kazeem Aminah, who received ₦3 million as first runner-up; Shittu Omobolaji Rachael, who received ₦2.7 million for second place; and Temitope Kareem, awarded ₦2.5 million for third position.
Sanwo-Olu commended the winners and participants, urging them to translate their creativity and innovation into meaningful contributions that will advance Lagos and Nigeria at large.
