Lagos State has once again taken the lead in youth engagement and inclusive governance, as 36 chairmen of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) gathered for a three-day strategic retreat, making it the first time in Nigeria’s history that a commissioner for youth will meet all 36 NYCN chairmen in an engagement.

The retreat was designed to provide a unified platform for youth leaders to deliberate on pressing developmental issues, share innovative ideas and create actionable strategies that would shape policies and programmes affecting youths in Lagos.

As part of the activities marking the opening of the retreat, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, hosted the chairmen to an informal dinner.

The event provided a relaxed atmosphere for the leaders to connect beyond official engagements and solidify the relationships necessary for progress-driven collaboration.

Ogunlende hailed the unity and dedication displayed by the chairmen, describing their convergence as a “powerful moment for youth leadership in Lagos State.”

He said the Sanwo-Olu administration remained unwavering in its commitment to youth development, empowerment and ensuring youths were contributors to governance and decision-making processes.

According to the commissioner, the retreat aligns with the administration’s broader objective of building a youth ecosystem that is vibrant, innovative and solution-oriented.

He hoped the discussions and outcomes of the retreat would stimulate impactful initiatives that would be felt across all communities in Nigeria.

The event was concluded with an appreciation message from the Chairman of chairmen, Olalekan Adigun (chairman, NYCN-Lagos). His remarks left the NYCN chairmen reinvigorated and focused, with many expressing gratitude for the state government’s continued support and recognition. (The Nation)