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.