By Edith Igbokwe
Youths in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have urged the council chairman, Hon. Dele Oshinowo, to enhance community development through continuous youth involvement in governance.
They made their plight known at the maiden edition of youth summit recently held at the council Secretariat.
The Special Adviser on ICT & Infrastructure to LCDA chairman, Mr. Tosin Ogundipe, explained that the summit was basically to enhance development in society through engagement and involvement.
He noted that awareness of youth involvement in governance should be taken street by street in the LCDA.
He promised that the council would also create more connectivity between the youths and the government to make the community better.
The Youth Group Stakeholders Summit, YGSS President, Kayode Ojo stressed that the summit came at the right time to improve community development and self-determination.
“I am all out to be nominated as the President of YGSS that marks the maiden edition of the gathering and definitely won’t be the last.
“This is something that we will be having from time to time, probably every quarter, and I believe that this is going to change the face of governance and social community development as a whole.
“Our gathering today is not about a party, but it is more importantly about how we can work together as a team. Our goal is to help our community to develop social and economy wise.
Participants at the summit during the questions and answer session complained about the lack of social amenities such as motorable roads and pipe-borne water in their area.
Other complaints includes, lack of a drainage system, affordable health care, empowerment and employment opportunities for young people and a lack of youth involvement in governance policies and programmes in the area.
Reacting, the Agboyi Ketu Youth leader, Hon. Toheeb Durosimi appealed to the youths to excise more patience.
He recounted the achievements of Hon. Oshinowo in all critical sectors amidst paucity of fund and urged the youths to get involved in the decision-making by attending councilors’ town hall meetings and to get closer to their representatives.
He noted that the chairman could not be everywhere at the same time, so he advised that the councilors are in the best position to advocate for their community’s needs.