Prominent youth leaders and experts have called on the
Federal Government to create safe places for youths where
they can come together, engage in activities related to their
diverse needs and interests, participate in decision making
processes and freely express themselves.
The call was made on Sunday, during a live Twitter
conference organised by Lagos Community Youth
Volunteer, LSCYV, in commemoration of the 2018
United Nation International Youth Day.
L-R: Adeyemi Olalemi; Publisher BreezeReporters and
L_R: Abimbola Osikoya; immediate-past Sole
Administrator, Isolo LCDA
Speaking at the conference, Adeyemi Olalemi,
Publisher of BreezeReporters , said the concepts creating
of safe and conducive environment for the youths to
reach their peak should be a collective effort of
government, parents and the youths themselves.
According to him, youths must ensure they contribute
to societal development without necessarily seeking
political office.
‘’Creating safe places for youth is a collective effort of
government, parents and the youths themselves who
should actively participate in that safe place.
‘’When we talk about not too young to run, we need to ask ourselves if we have run for political office before
we impact society, Olalemi said, adding that ‘’when
there is desperation to run, the intention is usually to
steal and that that is we have had with most of our
elders leading us.
On her part, Abimbola Osikoya, immediate-past sole
administrator of Isolo LCDA in Lagos, believes it’s time
the youth started taking over leadership positions in
the country.
Osikoya who recalled how she emerged as the sole of Isolo LCDA said, her appointment
was as a result of her active participation in politics.
She urged youths to come out and support fellow
youths who have integrity and are aspiring for
leadership positions.
Speaking on the effect of social media on safe places
for youths, Folashade Oguntoyinbo, a media expert,
said social media has become a dumping ground for
rubbish of some sort.
She decried the non-tolerant nature of some youths
who use verbal attacks on social media, Oguntoyinbo
called for attitudinal change in the use of social
media.
L_R: Abimbola Osikoya; immediate-past Sole
Administrator, Isolo LCDA, Amb Michael;
Coordinator LSCYV, Folashade Oguntoyinbo; Media
In his remark, Honourable Oshodi Abimbola, House
Leader, Amuwo Ododfin LCDA, said government needs
to do more in addressing issues that affects the youths.
He emphasized that ’’youths are energy of the nation
and therefore must be given every support to succeed
and contribute to national growth.
Comerade Akanni Michael, the Coordinator of Lagos
Community Youth Volunteer, expressed optimism that
the 2018 theme of the UN International Youth day
tagged Safe Places for youth will further open
opportunities for youths to take position of leadership
in their coun
