*Ministry of Youth to Partner with Lafarge
*Commissioner Donates Laptop to Participant
By Ganiyat Mumuni
Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment through a transformative mentorship session held to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day.
The event, themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond” brought together industry experts, youth leaders, and community mentors to equip young people with practical knowledge, skills, and connections.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Hameed Aroyewun, said the event provided an opportunity for young people to reflect on how local actions can contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
According to him, the 2025 International Youth Day theme highlights the passion, creativity, and resilience that define young people.
“Youths are not just leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders of today, catalysts of change and partners in progress. When equipped with knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity, they rise above every limitation and become the builders of a future that is inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful,” he said.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended the LCDA for organizing the programme, noting that he felt fulfilled after listening to testimonials from the youth panelists.
He pledged continued collaboration between the Ministry and local councils to expand youth-focused initiatives.
As part of the session’s highlight, the Commissioner gave out gifts to 2 participants and also donated a laptop to a participant who distinguished himself through active engagement during the programme,
In his keynote, Ogunlende outlined strategic programmes initiated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to empower young people across the state.
These include the Business Amplifier Clinic, the next cohort of the Ibile Youth Academy, and a partnership with Lafarge on an initiative targeting women in the informal sector.“
This programme is designed to promote gender equality and empowerment, because we strongly believe that what a man can do, a woman can do equally and often even better,” he said.
The Commissioner explained that under Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES-PLUS agenda, the “PLUS” represents social inclusion, gender equality, and youth development.
He urged participants to take advantage of existing opportunities in education, skills acquisition, sports development, and entrepreneurship.
“These initiatives are for the benefit of our youths not for me as the Commissioner, and not even for the Governor. We are providing the platform, and it is up to them to seize it. My role is to advocate and ensure they are aware of these opportunities,”
Ogunlende emphasized.He also advised the youth to stay focused, build value, carve out a niche for themselves, and develop the habit of reading.
President of the Igbogbo Youth Forum, Adeleke Dankuwo, added that the mentorship programme was designed to create awareness and expose youth to opportunities beyond government employment.
“You don’t have to wait for government jobs. You can employ yourself, you can be an entrepreneur. That is what this kind of programme is all about helping you discover yourself and realize you can achieve a lot with even little support from the government,” he said.
Dankuwo further encouraged participants to focus on success stories and learn from role models who have achieved greatness despite challenges.
The event was well-attended by dignitaries including Moyosore Adebanjo, Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA; Bola Oladunjoye, Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA; Ameen Apanisile, Chairman of Ikorodu-North LCDA; Adedayo Ladega, Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government; and Basirat Banjoko, Council Leader of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA,Mobolaji Ogunlende Lagos state Commissioner for youth and social developments; Owolabi Jamiu Member lagos State universal Basic Education (LASUBEB); Olafare Comfort Vice Chairman NYCN Lagos State; Ashade Abdulsalam CEO Green Janitors among others.
