By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative, in collaboration with the New Generation Directorate, has hosted a dialogue for 250 youths representing 125 riverine and coastal communities across Lagos State to discuss community challenges, developmental priorities and opportunities for inclusive governance.
The Lagos Riverine Community Youth Leaders Dialogue was held at the Badore Ferry Terminal, Ajah, Lagos State, bringing together youth leaders and government stakeholders to discuss ways to address development gaps affecting riverine and coastal communities.
The dialogue was organised to strengthen engagement between young people and government representatives, providing a platform for youth leaders to present community-specific challenges and recommend solutions to issues affecting their residents.
Speaking at the event, the host, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, emphasised the importance of engaging young people as critical stakeholders in governance, particularly in advancing the development of riverine and coastal communities.
Emmanuel stressed the need for effective communication between government and grassroots communities, noting that meaningful development requires listening to residents, understanding their needs and incorporating their perspectives into planning and implementation.
During an interactive session, participants highlighted challenges relating to education, healthcare, employment, environmental sustainability, transportation, infrastructure, youth empowerment and access to essential social services.
The youth leaders also called for improved access to government programmes and interventions that respond directly to the geographical and socioeconomic realities of riverine and coastal settlements.
Responding to the concerns, Emmanuel acknowledged the issues raised and assured participants that their requests and recommendations would be presented to the appropriate government authorities for consideration and necessary action.
In her goodwill message, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State and Director of the New Generation Directorate, urged youths from riverine and coastal communities to take an active interest in governance and participate meaningfully in political and developmental processes.
James said young people should go beyond expressing concerns or criticising government policies by contributing ideas, engaging constructively with leaders and participating in decision-making at the grassroots and state levels.
She noted that young people possess the energy, creativity, innovation and grassroots understanding required to drive meaningful development and build inclusive communities.
The APC deputy governorship candidate encouraged the youth leaders to remain organised, united and committed to their communities, urging them to use platforms such as the dialogue to communicate their concerns, identify practical solutions and maintain sustained engagement with relevant government institutions.
She also stressed that young people should see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but as active contributors to governance, community development and the future of Lagos State.
The dialogue also featured the participation of Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, alongside other stakeholders from the New Generation Directorate.
Discussions centred on youth empowerment, employment opportunities, education, healthcare, environmental protection, infrastructure and community welfare, with participants stressing the need to improve access to government initiatives and ensure that underserved communities are adequately represented in development planning.
The organisers said the engagement was intended to broaden grassroots participation and ensure that the perspectives of young people from riverine and coastal communities are incorporated into wider conversations about governance and sustainable development in Lagos State.
The collaboration between Blue Lagos and the New Generation Directorate reaffirmed the importance of engaging young people as partners in promoting inclusive governance, strengthening community participation and advancing development opportunities across Lagos State’s riverine and coastal communities.
