President of the Greater Lagos Initiative, Prince Adeniyi Olutimehin, has hailed the visionary leadership of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Youth Development Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, and Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Hon. Akeem Olalekan Dauda, for their impactful policies on youth development, engagement, and inclusion.

Speaking as Special Guest at the International Youth Day 2025 Celebration hosted by Hon. Akeem Olalekan Dauda, Olutimehin described President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a game-changer for young Nigerians. He highlighted the increment in the NYSC allowance, the launch of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), federal government grants for young innovators and entrepreneurs, and preparations for the forthcoming National Youth Conference and Comfab, which he said would provide a historic platform for young people nationwide to shape policies that directly affect them.

Olutimehin explained that NELFUND is a landmark, interest-free loan scheme covering tuition fees, study materials, and living costs for students in tertiary institutions, with repayment deferred until after graduation. This, he noted, eliminates financial barriers to higher education and opens doors of opportunity for millions of Nigerian youths.

He praised Minister Olawande’s youth engagement drives, mentorship projects, and policy advocacy, calling him “a voice and bridge for the youth.”

On Lagos State, Olutimehin commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s youth-focused governance, citing the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Lagos Youth Parliament, and Lagos Ambassadors Programme as models for leadership grooming, skills development, internship placement, and international exposure. He also lauded the Governor’s cash rewards and job offers for first-class graduates, youth-oriented sports development initiatives, and strategic investments in the creative industry to harness the talents of Lagos’ vibrant young population.

Olutimehin further applauded Commissioner Ogunlende’s expansion of youth empowerment platforms and Hon. Dauda’s commitment to grassroots vocational training recently initiated, scholarship schemes, and skill acquisition projects.

Charging Nigerian youth to embrace innovation, creativity, and community-driven solutions, Olutimehin stated:

“The government has provided the tools, resources, and enabling policies, it is now our responsibility as youth to convert them into tangible progress, enterprise, and positive impact.”

He reaffirmed the Greater Lagos Initiative’s readiness to partner with government at all levels, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen youth inclusion and ensure young Nigerians remain at the forefront of national development.