Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has emphasized the need for collective responsibility in empowering the youth within the state.
Ogunlende expressed this sentiment during the 2024 International Youth Day Thanksgiving Service, held on Sunday at Christ the Light Chapel in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Adeola Olabisi, the Commissioner pointed out that the responsibility of youth development is too vast for the state government to manage alone.
He urged the involvement of parents, communities, religious organizations, and concerned individuals to secure a better future for the youth.
“The responsibility of nurturing our youth is too great to be left solely to the state government. It must be viewed as a shared duty where everyone plays a part.
We need the active participation of parents, communities, religious organizations, and all those who care about the future of our youth, especially those at risk due to drug abuse.
The government cannot tackle this challenge alone. We must all come together to protect our youth,” Ogunlende stated.
He also praised Christ the Light Chapel for its efforts in addressing drug abuse among youths and encouraged other religious organizations to join in this critical work.
Ogunlende further underscored the urgent need to address drug abuse, which poses a significant threat to the future of many young people.
Additionally, Permanent Secretary Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu announced a Skill Acquisition Program aimed at equipping youths with the necessary skills to secure employment and engage in productive activities.
Oke-Osanyintolu also advised parents to foster close relationships with their children to prevent them from turning to unsuitable influences for guidance.
Reverend Oladele Ajayi, the Presiding Chaplain of Christ the Light Chapel, reaffirmed the chapel’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry in combating drug abuse among youths.
