Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has emphasized the need for collective effort in building the capacity of youths in the state.
Ogunlende made this appeal during the 2024 International Youth Day Thanksgiving Service at Christ the Light Chapel in Alausa, Ikeja, on Sunday.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesman, Adeola Olabisi, on Monday, Ogunlende highlighted that the responsibility is too great for the state government to tackle alone. He called for the active participation of parents, communities, religious organizations, and concerned individuals to support the development and future of the youth.
He said, “The task of building our youths is too enormous to be left to the state government alone. It should be seen as a shared responsibility in which everybody must be involved. We need every parent, community, religious organisation and everyone who really cares for the future of our youths, particularly those young ones whose future is being endangered by drug abuse. We cannot do it alone as a government. All hands must be on deck to salvage our youth.”
Ogunlende praised Christ the Light Chapel for its efforts in rescuing youths from drug abuse and urged other religious organizations to follow their example. He stressed the critical need to tackle drug abuse, which poses a significant threat to the future of many young people.
Additionally, Permanent Secretary Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu introduced a Skill Acquisition Program aimed at equipping youths with skills for gainful employment and productive activities.
Oke-Osanyintolu also advised parents to cultivate strong relationships with their children to prevent them from seeking guidance from negative influences.
Reverend Oladele Ajayi, Presiding Chaplain of Christ the Light Chapel, pledged the chapel’s continued support and collaboration with the Ministry to address and combat drug abuse among youths.
