By IyeneAbasi Etim
When you think about a governor, you might imagine someone distant and unapproachable. But Lagos State’s Babajide Sanwo-Olu shatters that stereotype with his genuine love for the youth. He is not just a governor; he is a leader who understands the pulse of the younger generation and is eager to create an environment where they can truly thrive.
It is no surprise, then, that Sanwo-Olu announced a farewell gift of N100,000 for each Corps member departing the camp, along with a sum of N100 million for the NYSC support staff.
This pledge was made during his address as the special guest of honor at the NYSC Passing-Out Parade/Closing Ceremony for the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Corps Members, held at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iyana Ipaja on Tuesday. Additionally, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced a N5 billion pledge towards the construction of a permanent site for the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp in the state.
Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to youth empowerment extends beyond these gestures. During his second term inauguration, he introduced “T.H.E.M.E.S+,” an enhanced agenda with a heightened focus on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Youth, underscoring his promise to leave no one behind.
A key example of this commitment is the Lagos Film City, a 100-hectare creative industry hub in Ejinrin, supported by international partners like Storyland Studios and ARRI. This facility, featuring prime waterfront property, is set to create over 10,000 jobs, offering extensive opportunities for young people in the creative and technological sectors.
By integrating arts and entertainment into Lagos’s development, Sanwo-Olu is not only preserving the city’s commercial history but also empowering the next generation and fostering a new era of Nollywood filmmaking and global investment.
The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) is another prime example of Sanwo-Olu’s dedication. By offering loans and mentorship, LSETF has become a lifeline for many young entrepreneurs, enabling them to turn their business ideas into reality. This initiative highlights Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to providing tangible resources for youth success.
Through the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), Lagos State under Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has disbursed over half a billion naira to more than 40 innovative startups in Lagos. The governor also champions technology and innovation through the Lagos Innovates program. By offering workspace vouchers and access to tech hubs, the program supports tech-savvy youth in Lagos, providing them with opportunities to innovate and grow.
The “Ready, Set, Work” program, which prepares final-year students for the workforce, is another standout initiative. It equips students with critical skills, internships, and job placements, ensuring they are well-prepared for today’s competitive job market.
Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to education is equally impressive. His administration has renovated numerous schools and upgraded facilities, reflecting his belief in the importance of a strong educational foundation.
The Lateef Jakande Academy further exemplifies his dedication. Offering merit-based opportunities to young Nigerians, this one-year program aims to develop future leaders by providing essential governance training and leadership experience through shadowing public sector leaders.
Having a governor like Sanwo-Olu, who prioritizes the youth, is incredibly beneficial for Nigeria’s democracy. Young people are the backbone of any society, and their active participation in the democratic process is crucial. By empowering them, Sanwo-Olu is not only fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement among the youth but also ensuring that the future leaders of Lagos, and by extension Nigeria, are well-prepared and motivated.
In a country where the youth often feel marginalized, Sanwo-Olu’s approach is a breath of fresh air. His administration’s efforts to create opportunities, enhance education, and provide recreational facilities are building a more inclusive and supportive environment for young people in Lagos. In doing so, he’s not just governing; he’s inspiring a new generation to believe in themselves and their potential to drive change.
