Lagos -Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday urged youths to see themselves as today’s leaders and demonstrate high sense of responsibility.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, gave the advice when a group, “ Do the Dream Youth Development Initiative,’’ paid a visit to the Lagos House, Alausa.
He charged the youth to refrain from acts that were against the principles of good leadership and be actively involved in the process of executing the change agenda in the country.
”Youths are the greatest human resource and change agents of any nation.
”The heroic contributions of the youth population to making the change agenda a reality cannot be over emphasised, therefore, they must be actively involved.
”The current economic situation in our country has impacted negatively on our youths, especially in terms of high rate of unemployment.
”Rather than despair, this situation should bring out the best in your creative minds.
”Our responsibility as government is to create the enabling environment and support for youths to succeed, which is why we created the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.
”I urge you to take advantage of the Ministry to showcase your ideas and empower yourselves toward promoting change in the society,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Olutayo Olumadewa, founder of the youth initiative, said that the group was formed in 2008 to help youths find their voice and excel in life.
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Olumadewa commended the state government for creating the enabling environment for youths in the state, as well granting them listening ears.
He urged the government to do more in the area of funding youth programmes and activities.
In his remarks, Mr Akeem Muri-Okunola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, said that the engagement and participation of youth was essential to achieve sustainable human development.
Muri-Okunola said that developmental programmes and activities were important to transform and mould youths into successful citizens. (NAN)