The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Adigun Ibrahim, has called for the institutionalisation of youth participation in governance, urging government at all levels to move beyond consultation and create structures that give young people a permanent voice in policymaking.
Adigun made the call while delivering his welcome address at the second edition of the Youth and Governance Symposium held at the University of Lagos on Friday.
The event, themed “Building the Future of Governance Through Youth Participation,” attracted key government officials, youth leaders, development partners, and stakeholders from across Lagos State. Among those in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and the immediate past Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Rasaq Olushola Ajala.
Speaking at the symposium, Adigun described the gathering as a flagship initiative of his administration and a platform designed to ensure that the voices of young people are embedded at the centre of governance.
“Today, we gather not just as spectators, but as architects of the future, where the voices of Lagos youth are not just heard but are embedded in the core of governance,” he said.
The NYCN chairman highlighted achievements recorded by his administration over the last two years, including the launch of a Digital Literacy Programme in partnership with global organisations, the establishment of the Lagos Youth Development Institute, three editions of the Lagos Youth Talk Series, and two consecutive World Youth Skills Day Challenges held simultaneously across the state’s 57 LGAs and LCDAs.
According to him, the initiatives demonstrate what young people can achieve when provided with opportunities and support.
“These are not merely numbers or events; they are evidence that young people, when empowered and trusted, deliver. When given platforms, we innovate. When given resources, we create. When given voice, we lead,” Adigun stated.
Despite these gains, he noted that many young people in Lagos continue to face challenges, including underrepresentation in governance, unemployment, limited digital skills, inadequate support for entrepreneurs and creatives, underutilised youth centres, and insufficient platforms for engagement between government and youth.
He stressed that these issues require deliberate policy interventions and sustained investment.
“These are not abstract problems. They are the daily burdens of the young people we represent. And because we are a council of action, we do not arrive here with complaints alone; we arrive with solutions,” he said.
As part of his recommendations, Adigun proposed the creation of dedicated youth offices at both local and state government levels, mandatory youth representation on policy committees, and the transformation of youth centres into innovation hubs equipped with broadband internet, digital tools, co-working spaces, and startup incubation facilities.
He also advocated the establishment of a structured grant programme for youth organisations, expansion of digital literacy programmes across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs, increased investment in sports, arts and creative industries, and greater access to international exchange opportunities for young people.
According to him, Lagos possesses the human capital needed to become a leading model of youth participation and empowerment in Africa if the right structures are put in place.
“These are not mere aspirations but a blueprint for a Lagos where young people are empowered to lead and shape the future. The time has come to confidently demand meaningful inclusion and opportunities, backed by the proven readiness, capability, and commitment of the youth,” he said.
Adigun further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for policies aimed at youth development and praised Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat for their support of youth-focused initiatives in Lagos State.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NYCN Lagos leadership to expanding digital literacy, leadership development, and community empowerment programmes, noting that the council would continue to advocate for greater youth inclusion in governance and decision-making processes.
The symposium featured panel discussions, policy conversations, and stakeholder engagements focused on strengthening youth participation in governance and preparing the next generation of leaders across Lagos State.
