Youth leaders representing 125 riverine and coastal communities in Lagos State have called for improved education, healthcare, transportation, infrastructure and employment opportunities to address development challenges facing their communities.
The demands were presented at a dialogue organised by the Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative in collaboration with the New Generation Directorate at Badore Ferry Terminal, Ajah, where 250 young people discussed community needs and proposed areas for government intervention.
The engagement was designed to strengthen grassroots participation in governance and ensure that young people in underserved and hard-to-reach settlements have a voice in decisions affecting their welfare and development.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, who hosted the dialogue, said effective development required stronger communication between government and communities.
He said the concerns and recommendations raised by participants would be presented to the relevant government authorities for consideration and necessary action.
The youth leaders also identified environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, access to government programmes and essential social services as areas requiring attention.
In her goodwill message, the Director of the New Generation Directorate and Lagos State APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, urged young people to participate actively in governance rather than limit their involvement to criticising government policies.
She encouraged them to engage constructively with public officials, contribute ideas to decision-making and remain organised in pursuing development priorities in their communities.
James said youth participation was important to responsive leadership, adding that young people could contribute to development through their creativity, energy and understanding of grassroots challenges.
The dialogue also featured the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, whose participation provided an opportunity to discuss youth development, service delivery and inclusive growth with community representatives.
Participants stressed the need for stronger communication between riverine communities and public institutions, as well as better access to government initiatives and representation in development planning.
The organisers said the engagement was intended to strengthen relationships between young people and decision-makers and promote inclusive development across Lagos State’s coastal and riverine communities.