Lagos Deputy Governor Hamzat Urges Swift Action on Youth Exclusion
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has called for immediate resolution of the feelings of exclusion among youths in Nigeria. Speaking as a keynote speaker at the seventh Turning Point Annual Youth Leadership Conference, themed 'Emerge 2026', held at the Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Hamzat highlighted that many youths feel sidelined and ignored in societal processes.
Addressing the Gap Between Youth Roles and Reality
Represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, Hamzat pointed out a significant divergence between the expected roles of youths and their current contributions. He stressed that this gap must be bridged to foster inclusive development and empower the younger generation to take on more active roles in governance and community leadership.
Advice Against Entitlement Mentality
In his address, Hamzat advised young people to avoid an entitlement mentality, emphasizing that not everything can be handed to them on a platter of gold. He noted that society and parents cannot fulfill all needs, urging youths to take initiative and responsibility for their futures. He also warned against shunning politics, stating that if intelligent individuals avoid political engagement, they risk being governed by less capable leaders.
NEPC Encourages Youth in Non-Oil Exports
Simultaneously, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has charged youths to harness opportunities in the non-oil exports sector, asserting that the nation's economic growth depends heavily on their involvement. Executive Director and CEO of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, represented by Principal Trade Promotion Officer Nancy Oluchi Okpa, stated that Nigeria's economic future lies in the hands of its youth, particularly through entrepreneurship and value creation in exports.
Ayeni highlighted Nigeria's rich export potential, including agricultural products like cocoa, cashew, sesame, and ginger, as well as creative digital services gaining global recognition. She encouraged youths to utilize NEPC's initiatives and programs designed to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools to compete effectively in international markets.
Conference Focus on Transformation and Unity
The convener of the conference, Olusegun Odufuwa, emphasized that the event is not just about conversations but about transformation. He called for young people to be intentional, united, and impact-driven, bridging divides across tribal, religious, and social lines to build a collaborative nation. Odufuwa challenged attendees to engage actively, take action, and emerge as leaders in their communities.
This conference underscores the critical need for youth inclusion and economic participation, with leaders advocating for proactive measures to integrate young Nigerians into national development efforts.
