All Progress Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Damilola Sonayon James has urged youths across the state’s riverine and coastal communities to participate actively in governance and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

Speaking at riverine community youth leaders’ dialogue held in Badore Ajah, she stressed the need for youth leaders to actively contribute ideas, engage constructively with public office holders and participate in policy formulation processes.

Themed, ‘Unlocking the blue economy, empowering youths for sustainable riverine/ coastal development and inclusive growth, she observed youths possess the innovation, energy and ideas to enhance transformational, inclusive and sustainable development.

Stressing need for continuous engagement with government institutions and other relevant stakeholders, Sonayon James, who is also Director of the New Generation Directorate advised the attendees to be united, organised, and committed to the progress of their communities.

In addition, she urged the youths people to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but as active partners in governance, community development, and the future of Lagos State.

In his speech, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel noted importance of involving youths in governance and development planning cannot be over emphasised.

He added sustainable development requires effective communication between government and the people, noting that understanding local needs and incorporating community perspectives into policy formulation and implementation are essential to achieving meaningful progress.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mobolaji Ogunlende and other stakeholders from the New Generation Directorate were also present.

During the conversation, the youths leaders highlighted challenges confronting their communities, identifying gaps in infrastructure and other areas.

The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative, in partnership with the New Generation Directorate brought together over two hundred youths, representing riverine and coastal communities across Lagos State.

The conversation presented an opportunity to identify community gaps, development priorities, and offer practical solutions to issues affecting underserved riverine and coastal settlements.

The initiative aimed to strengthen engagement between government institutions and grassroots communities while ensuring that young people in underserved communities are attended to

The issues raised included inadequate access to education and healthcare, unemployment, environmental sustainability, transportation, poor infrastructure, youth empowerment, and limited access to essential social services..

The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss issues affecting young people in riverine and coastal settlements, particularly youth development, employment and livelihood opportunities, education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, and community welfare.