Blue Lagos, New Generation Directorate Host 250 Riverine Youth Leaders In Lagos

By Stella Okocha

The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative, in collaboration with New Generation Directorate, has hosted Lagos Riverine Community Youth Leaders Dialogue at Badore Ferry Terminal, Ajah.

The dialogue brought together 250 young people representing 125 riverine and coastal communities across Lagos State to discuss community challenges, developmental priorities and opportunities for inclusive governance and sustainable development.

The engagement was organised to strengthen interaction between youths and government stakeholders and provide platform for youth leaders to articulate concerns, share community-specific challenges and make recommendations for addressing developmental gaps.

It also reaffirmed importance of ensuring young people from underserved and hard-to-reach riverine communities are not excluded from governance conversations and policy decisions affecting their welfare.

Speaking at event, host and Special Adviser to Governor on Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, emphasised importance of engaging youths as critical stakeholders, particularly in developing coastal and riverine communities.

Emmanuel highlighted need to establish effective communication channels between government and grassroots communities, noting that meaningful development requires listening to people, understanding their needs and incorporating their perspectives into planning and implementation.

During interactive session, youth leaders presented challenges confronting their communities, highlighting priority needs and areas requiring government intervention. Their submissions reflected realities of living in underserved settlements where geographical barriers and limited access to essential services affect quality of life.

In response, Emmanuel assured participants that their requests and recommendations would be presented to appropriate government authorities for consideration and action.

Issues raised included challenges relating to education, healthcare, employment, environmental sustainability, transportation, infrastructure, youth empowerment and access to essential social services. Participants also highlighted need to improve access to government programmes.

In her goodwill message, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State and Director of New Generation Directorate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, encouraged youths across riverine and coastal communities to take active interest in governance and participate meaningfully in political and developmental processes.

She said young people should not limit involvement to expressing concerns or criticising policies but should take advantage of available opportunities to contribute ideas, engage constructively and participate in decision-making at grassroots and state levels.

“Youth participation is essential to building responsive leadership and inclusive communities,” she said, adding that young people possess energy, creativity and grassroots understanding required to drive development.

She urged youth leaders to remain organised, united and committed to progress of their communities and to use dialogue platforms to communicate concerns constructively and maintain sustained engagement with government institutions.

The dialogue also featured engagement with Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, alongside other stakeholders, providing opportunity to explore pathways towards improved service delivery, youth development and inclusive growth.

Key areas discussed included youth empowerment, employment and livelihood opportunities, education, healthcare, environmental protection, infrastructure and community welfare.

With 250 youths from 125 communities in attendance, initiative sought to broaden grassroots participation and ensure perspectives of young people from underserved communities are incorporated into governance and development conversations.

Organisers said collaboration demonstrates value of sustained engagement with young people as partners in advancing inclusive development and promoting opportunities within Lagos State’s blue economy.

The dialogue, according to Blue Lagos, represents another step towards strengthening grassroots participation, promoting inclusive governance and ensuring voices of underserved riverine and coastal communities are heard.