Youth Policy Review: Lagos Govt, Stakeholders Strategise On Way Forward
The Lagos State Government, Ministry of Youth and Social Development in collaboration with the Youth Development Cluster and Inspired Youth Network has organised a stakeholders meeting on the review of the Lagos State Youth policy.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including young people, civil society organizations, Government officials, and development partners to discuss the current state of youth development in Lagos State and to identify key areas for improvement.
The review process aims to ensure that the policy reflects the needs and aspirations of young people also the policy seeks to create an enabling environment that supports young people’s aspirations and empowers them to reach their full potential.
Speaking at the event In Ikorodu, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Pharm. Toyin Oke Osayintolu, who as represented by Mr. Saka Abdullateef, Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth reminded the the attendees that the state adopted the National Youth Policy of 2009 to establish a sustainable youth agenda that would produce meaningful youth engagement as well as enhance their quality of life.
In 2016, the Lagos State Youth Policy was launched with 15 thematic areas and a well-considered framework.
Pharm. Toyin Oke-Osayintolu emphasized the importance of the review meeting and expressed her optimism that the outcome of the meeting would provide a better framework for the state’s youth policy. The policy provides a roadmap to address youths’ challenges and a crucial framework to guide the state’s approach in ensuring that a large number of youths residing in the state are provided with a high quality of life. As the 5-year period of the policy’s expiration approaches and with the evolving socio-economic issues peculiar to the state, it has become necessary to review the national youth policy.
She highlighted the importance of the youth policy and the need for a review to ensure that the state’s approach to ensuring that youths are provided with a high quality of life is effective and sustainable.
The Programs Lead at Youth Alive Foundation, Chamberlain Etukueoh said the review of the Lagos State Youth Policy wasaimed at ensuring that the interest and needs of all stakeholders were met.
Etukueoh said that young people are the future of Lagos State, adding that the policy review process is an opportunity for young people to have a say in the policies that affect their lives.
He said that the foundation is committed to ensuring that the policy review process leads to a policy that provides young people with the resources they need to succeed and thrive in Lagos State.
Dr. Somefun represents the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), an organization that has been partnering with the Lagos Ministry of Youth in the past years. Dr. Somefunexpressed delight that the Ministry of Youth is continuing this initiative. According to Dr. Somefun, this policy will bring transformative innovation and build the capacity of the youth, and by ensuring that we don’t leave people behind, she believes the various stakeholders present at the meeting will contribute their quota.
Comr. Lekan Oba, Chairman of the NYCN Lagos, expressed his excitement about the program that aims to review the youth policy. He emphasized the importance of having young people with prospects and their involvement in governance. He encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to contribute to youth development in Lagos State, he commended Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prioritizing youth development in his action plan