Lagos State Government has charged the youths to take ownership of their environment as co-creators of the future cities.
The state government gave the charge, yesterday, during the celebration of World Habitat Day, with the theme, “Engaging Youths to Create a Better Urban Future.”
It said that the energy, creativity and fresh perspective of the youths were what the cities needed to thrive in the 21st century.
The state’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Abiodun Olumide, said that engaging the youths in urban development ensures that cities built would be adaptable, resilient and sustainable for generations to come.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his keynote address, said the youths were the driving force behind the growth and innovation that define this vibrant city.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted that the youths’ creativity, energy, and resilience are essential to the realisation of Lagos vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous city.
He added that stakeholders must harness the ingenuity of the youths by providing them with opportunities to live and innovate to address the issues of rapid urbanisation, housing shortages, population growth, and environmental challenges.
The governor challenged stakeholders to address the social challenges the youths are facing, such as unemployment, crime and substance abuse, by tackling them through robust investments in education, vocational training, character programmes, aids, and strengthening macroeconomic and mentorship programmes.
President, Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), Bisi Adedire, said that the youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the drivers of transformation today.
He, therefore, urged everyone to invest in the youths by creating a platform for them to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to urban development.
“Let us encourage them to take ownership of their future by actively engaging in city planning, sustainable practices, and environmental protection,” he said.
