The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has called on youths across the state to take full advantage of the government’s various empowerment and development initiatives.
Ogunlende made the appeal on Saturday during a one-day mentorship programme tagged “Mentorship with HOA”, organised by the Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to commemorate International Youth Day 2025. The event was held at the council secretariat in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos.
The commissioner expressed concern that many young people are yet to benefit from state-driven initiatives due to what he described as a “disconnect between government and the youths.”
“It is for their benefit. It is not for me, the commissioner, nor for the governor,” Ogunlende said. “We are giving them the platform and the opportunities, and we want them to grab them. We have the Business Amplifier Clinic, which is very popular, and the next cohort of the Building Youth Academy will also be coming up in a few weeks.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA and convener of the mentorship initiative, Hammed Aroyewun, said the programme was designed as a flagship youth development intervention of his administration.
“This year’s theme, ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,’ speaks directly to the passion, creativity, and resilience that define our young people,” Aroyewun said. “The pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals requires innovation, responsibility, and courage at the local level. When youths are equipped with knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity, they rise above every limitation to become builders of a future that is inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful.”
The Leader of the House, Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, Basirat Banjoko, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting youth empowerment through strategic programmes and initiatives.
Also delivering goodwill messages, the Chairmen of Ikorodu LGA, Adedayo Ladega; Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Bola Oladunjoye; and Onigbongbo LCDA, Moyosore Adebanjo, encouraged youths not to be deterred by setbacks but to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
