By June 12: Governance Is A Collective Excercise, Youths Must Participate Says Saheed Afonja, SSA to Lagos Governor
The Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Youth Development, Akanbi A. Saheed Afonja has urged the youth in Lagos State to participate actively in governance as a way of contributing to collective development while rolling out some of the youth-centric achievements of the administration in two years.
Afonja made the clarion call at the Eko Youth Democracy Symposium held yesterday at EKO FM Multipurpose Hall, LTV 8 Ikeja, to commemorate 22 years of the annulment of the freest and fairest election in Nigeria.
“Governance is a collective exercise. We should continue to play our part by getting involved in leadership, constructive criticism, support and leadership. We must understand that no Nation strengthens her democracy without patriotic citizens, innovative youths, dutiful leaders and a peace loving population, ” Afonja said in his welcome address at the event.
At the event to give the keynote address was Former General Secretary of National Democratic Coalition, Mr Ayo Opadokun, who also encouraged youth people to speak up about the ills of the society while commending the Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his performance in the centre of excellence.
Read Afonja’s full text below;
BEING THE SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, AT THE EKO YOUTH DEMOCRACY SYMPOSIUM HELD TODAY SATURDAY 12 JUNE, 2021 AT THE EKO FM MULTIPURPOSE HALL, IKEJA…..
From time immemorial, the youth of a Nation is like a ladder that helps to raise the Nation high. They are the major strength of a State and the Country at large.
Therefore the importance of Youth in a democracy can’t be undermine but entrench.
In no doubt, this present administration, led by the youthful Governor with stupendous projects, His Excellency Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has not for once sideline the youth in his administration as he ensures that youth opinion counts in the governance of the state.
It is worthy to recall and appreciate our National Leader of the All Progressives Congress {APC}, the Jagaban Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who laid the foundation and template for youth to participate and excel in all spheres of government during his tenure as the Governor and till date. We would be forever grateful Sir.
The T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the Governor which is a driving force for a greater Lagos of our dream embraces youth involvement in all spheres. Also, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Segun Dawodu ensures that all hands are on deck in order to not only accommodate youth but also help to increase their standard of living through various activities.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at all time reiterates his commitment towards youth development in the State. However, Governance is a collective exercise. We should continue to play our part by getting involved in leadership, constructive criticism, support and leadership. We must understand that no Nation strengthens her democracy without patriotic citizens, innovative youths, dutiful leaders and a peace loving population.
In all, Eko YOUTH heartily expresses their profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to take Lagos to the greatest of heights and to celebrate his laudable two years in office.
Your administration within two years is indeed a youth-centric one, your unending list of youthful programs executed so far which includes;
– Annual Internship Programme for 4000 graduates
– Reconstruction of Abesan Youth Centre
– Construction of basketball court and upgrading of football pitch at Ikeja Youth Centre
– Lagos Care program for Youth and Vulnerable
– Renovation of Ikorodu Youth Centre
– Renovation of Lafiaji Youth Centre, Lagos Island
– Renovation of Omituntun Playground, Akowonjo
– Renovation of Campus Square Recreation Center, Lagos Island to mention few, and definitely more is coming as the administration continues.
Thank you very much, Sir, it’s all geared towards the achievement of a greater Lagos.
#IGBEGA IPINLE…
#AJUMOSE GBOGBO WA NI…
Akanbi A. Saheed Afonja
SSA Youth Development to the Lagos State Governor
