LASG promises more youth centered programmes, inaugurates 5th Youth Parliament

By Moses Adeniyi

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has reiterated its resolve to foster more programmes dedicated to youth development in the State.

This comes on the heels of the inauguration of the 5th Assembly of the Lagos State Youth Parliament with a promise that more resources will be channelled towards more youth oriented programmes.

Speaking at the inauguration event at the Lateef Jakande Chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende stated that the youth under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will enjoy special focus with “Youth Engagement” as one of the developmental pillars.

He said, “The intention behind the Youth Parliament is to prepare our youth for leadership positions.

“This is the bedrock of democratic process which we are building.Mr Governor has prioritised youth policies and programmes.

“The Ministry of Youth is at the forefront of this. We have ensured the best were picked for the 5th Assembly through a rigorous and transparent process handled by the Permanent Secretary, principal officers in the Ministry and myself.

“This crop of youth lawmakers will give the state top notch performance in  terms of legislative activities.We also intend to implant in them the mindset that the child of nobody can become somebody.We are building a society where  every youth can succeed,” he said.

Chairman, House Committee on Youth, Hon. Orekoya Abiodun advised members of the 5th Assembly of Youth Parliament to be of good conduct, adhere to acceptable dress code, identify the needs in their communities and collaborate with the State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in championing the cause of positively impacting the vulnerable.

On her part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu implored the new Assembly members to  live up to expectations by effectively utilising the platform offered them through the Youth Assembly to initiate programmes that will transform the lives of youths.

Oke-Osanyintolu said, “You are fortunate to be among the few chosen to represent other youths in the State. You cannot afford to take this for granted. Therefore, utilise your period as a youth lawmaker to learn, unlearn and relearn in order to add value to the lives of more than 10 million youths resident in Lagos State. By doing so, you would have helped in contributing your own quota towards youth development. As a Ministry, we cannot do it all alone.”

In her acceptance speech, Speaker, 5th Youth Assembly, Rt Hon Soniregun Maria Itunuoluwa promised to work assiduously with all members of the House to surpass the achievements of their predecessors.

The occasion which earlier on witnessed the dissolution of the 4th Assembly headed by Rt Hon Abayomi Ogidan, represented by Hon Comfort Iretioluwa Ajakaiye was also used by the outgoing parliamentarians to present reports on key projects executed prominent amongst which was Agbowa Clean Water Community Project.