The Lagos State Government, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, in collaboration with Youth Alive Foundation and Inspired Youth Network stakeholders, held a meeting on the review of Lagos State Youth Policy yesterday, July 11th, at Abesan Youth Center. 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.

The policy aims to develop Lagos State youth with equal opportunities to realize their dreams and aspirations, irrespective of their background, and living in a safe and secure environment that would optimize their contributions to national development.

Pharm. Toyin Oke Osayintolu, who was represented by Mr. Lawal Rasaq, the Assistant Director Ministry of Youth, welcomed attendees to the stakeholders’ review meeting of the Lagos State Youth Policy, She explained that the aim of the meeting was to establish a sustainable youth agenda that would produce meaningful youth engagement and enhance their quality of life. She noted that the Lagos State adopted the National Youth Policy of 2009 to achieve this goal, and the Lagos State Youth Policy was launched in 2016 as a five-year plan with 15 thematic areas and a well-considered framework.

Pharm. Toyin Oke-Osayintolu implored all stakeholders to contribute their ideas and suggestions to the review process, as their input is critical to its success. She emphasized that the review process is an opportunity to ensure that the Lagos State Youth Policy remains a relevant and effective tool for youth development. The stakeholders’ review meeting of the Lagos State Youth Policy was attended by representatives from various organizations and groups, and it is expected to produce a sustainable youth agenda that would enhance youth engagement and improve their quality of life.

Chamberlain Etukueoh, Programs Lead at Youth Alive Foundation, emphasized the importance of reviewing the Lagos State Youth Policy during the meeting. He stated that the review process is necessary to ensure that there is an effective national and state youth policy. Mr. Etukueoh also highlighted that most states in Nigeria do not have youth policies, but Lagos State is different. He encouraged everyone present to give their all in contributing their ideas and suggestions towards the review process.

Ms. Oluwatoyin Adejokun, representative of Inspired Youth Network, talked about the importance of including the voices of young people in the review process of the Lagos State Youth Policy. She encouraged everyone present to actively participate in the review process and contribute their ideas and suggestions on how to improve the youth policy.

Amb. Zainab Aderonmu emphasized the significance of attending the Lagos youth policy review meeting, as direct involvement would enable stakeholders to contribute valuable input towards the policy review process. She urged all stakeholders to provide their best ideas and suggestions to ensure that the policy review process is a success.

Comr. Olalekan Biliamin Oba, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, represented by Comr. Akinyemi Rofiah the State Legal Adviser, highlighted that the last review of the Lagos Youth Policy took place in 2016 and this is 2023 which was a considerable amount of time ago, he stated that the youth policy review meeting is an opportunity to address the challenges and needs of the youth in Lagos State, Comr. Olalekan Biliamin Oba encouraged everyone present to actively participate in the meeting and contribute their best ideas and suggestions.

Dr. Toriola Femi Adebayo provided a brief overview of the Lagos State Youth Policy during the meeting, stating that it was last reviewed in 2016. She also discussed the National Youth Policy, which was last reviewed in 2019, and highlighted the importance of reviewing youth policies to address the changing needs and challenges of the youth in Lagos State, Dr. Toriola Femi Adebayo encouraged everyone present to actively participate in the meeting and contribute their ideas and suggestions on how to improve the youth policy, as it would have a significant impact on the millions of youths in Lagos State and Nigeria.

Mrs. Umar Rashidat gave an overview of the Lagos State Youth Policy during the meeting to provide stakeholders with a better understanding of the policies contained within it. She highlighted the various programs and initiatives that the Lagos State government has implemented to support youth development and empowerment. Mrs. Umar Rashidat also provided detailed information on the policy’s framework, implementation, and evaluation strategies. Her overview was aimed at giving stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of the policies contained within the youth policy.

The strategic thrusts of the Lagos State Youth Policy were shared among five groups, which include Productive Workforce and Sustainable Economic Engagement of Youth, Health and Health-Promoting Lifestyle, Participation, Inclusiveness and Equitable Opportunities for all Youth, Promotive and Protective Environment for Youth Development, and Partnership-building and Effective Collaboration. Group one arrived at Agriculture, Communication, Science and Technology for Youth, while Group 5 aims to improve awareness of Government programs as well as processes and establish a youth representative (Liaison Officer) between Government agencies and parastatals.