Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef has charged youths across the state to maximize the numerous opportunities provided by the governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in order to reach their full potential.
The commissioner, who spoke while representing the governor at an event organized by the ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development in commemoration of the International Youths Day themed “Youths Build Peace” held at Secretariat Alausa, said the governor would continue to put in place youth centered programmes, capable of promoting young people’s creativities and initiatives.
“His Excellency Mr Akinwunmi Ambode believes so much in the fact that the youth in Lagos state are very charismatic, very proactive, highly resilient and very energetic. And the programme is meant for them to deploy their energy into rewriting the political and economic story of Lagos state.
“All we want the youth to do is to seize the opportunities provided by the governor, because the important thing this day is about initiatives and creativity.
Abdul-Lateef said, like Martin Luther King stated that during period of change while many stand and watch change without participating – those he described as protectors of the status quo, selected few however believe and follow the change mantra. He therefore charged the youth in Lagos to take advantage of the various vocational and skills training centres across the state – the entrepreneurial skills that are being developed, the talent hunt programme, sports and recreation facilities amongst others made available by the change mantra.
“There are enough opportunities for youths in this state to seize in putting to use their potentials. We also believe that we are able to enhance and develop their skills, competencies and commitment into ensuring that we get to where we are going.”
The commissioner, while calling that the youth should contest political posts, urged them to develop their potentials and capacities to occupy and deliver excellently in such leadership positions.
“In Kenya you see 23 year old people participating and winning elections. So our youths must understand that it’s not only by lamentation; it’s also about taking advantage of the available resources. If we talk about the ‘not-too-young’ to occupy political offices, which will climax into amendment of the constitution, the youth should take advantage of that to make sure they develop their potentials and capacities to fill leadership positions.”
In her remark, commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf said the ministry would scape up programmes that will continue to gainfully engage the youth in order to discourage vices.
