The Lagos State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and Chairman, Forum of State Chairmen, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, MNSE, on Monday led the forum on a strategic engagement with the management of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD).

The visit formed part of activities lined up for the forum’s strategic retreat taking place in Lagos, aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and deepening youth-focused interventions across the country.

In a well-coordinated session, the delegation was warmly received by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharm. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, directors and senior officials of the ministry.

Addressing the visiting youth leaders, the Permanent Secretary and directors highlighted the ministry’s wide range of programmes, initiatives, and strategic interventions designed to enhance youth empowerment, capacity-building, social welfare, and community development across Lagos State.

They noted that Lagos, under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his far-reaching THEMES+ Agenda, continues to expand opportunities for young people through innovative policies and cross-sector partnerships.

The forum, led by Engr. Adigun, expressed deep appreciation for the detailed reorientation and exposure shared during the engagement. They further appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu, describing him as the most pragmatic and youth-friendly governor in Nigeria, applauding his commitment to building a progressive and inclusive state for young people.

Engr. Adigun reaffirmed the forum’s resolve to strengthen partnerships with state institutions nationwide as part of efforts to scale up youth-focused programmes and reposition the NYCN for greater national impact.

He thanked the Permanent Secretary, directors, and entire MYSD management for hosting the delegation and for their unwavering commitment to empowering Lagos youths.

Round off the strategic meeting, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende hosted the youths leaders to a dinner at Lagoon View hotel where he pat them in the backs for their impactful leadership in their various state.

Ogunlende went on to task the visiting chairmen to remain exemplary youths and good ambassadors of their respective state and the country wherever they found themselves. He urged them to see their leadership post they occupy as not only an avenue to lead but a training platform that should prepare them for the greater opportunities that lie ahead reiterating that the future is completely theirs.

The commissioner went on to reaffirm the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to sustaining’s Lagos status as a model state in all ramifications especially as it has to do with youth inclusion and human capital development.

He concluded by commending the forum’s chairman, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, MNSE, for his visionary leadership and justification of the confidence reposed in him by his counterparts while wishing them a memorable retreat in the Centre of excellence.