Lagos Shines At 2025 National Youth Day
By Emmanuel Daniji
Lagos State’s sustained investment in youth human capital development has earned national recognition, as the state clinched the award for Most Outstanding Contributions to Youth Development in Nigeria at the grand finale of the 2025 Africa/National Youth Day Celebration.
The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and held at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, placed Lagos ahead of all other states for its impactful programmes, reforms and continuous support for youth-focused initiatives.
In recent years, Lagos State has deepened its commitment to empowering young people through a wide range of innovative programmes driven by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, led by Commissioner Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende and the Permanent Secretary, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the state has expanded opportunities across leadership, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and community development.
The state’s ongoing support for key youth institutions—including the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ibile Youth Academy, Lagos Youth Development Institute, Lagos Youth Parliament and various grassroots youth platforms—was also highlighted as a major factor in the recognition. The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, led by Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, has continued to receive strong institutional backing from the government.
Notable reforms such as the recent review of the Lagos State Youth Policy and the transfer of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) operations to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development further strengthened the state’s youth development framework.
The award was presented by the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Emmanuel Olawande, and received on behalf of the Lagos State Government by NYCN Chairman, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, alongside the Lagos East Vice Chairman, Comrade Abubakri Asoro.
