The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for the 2027 governorship election.
The Chairman of the council, Ibrahim Adigun, disclosed this in a statement, saying the endorsement was made during the Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYO) 1.0 programme held on Saturday in Lagos.
Adigun said the event, themed, “Converging Lagos Youth Voices: Voluntary Youth Organisations as Pillars of Structure, Accountability and Sustainable Youth Development,” was organised to commemorate the 2026 National Youth Day.
The programme, which took place at the Campus Mini Stadium on Lagos Island, also featured the formal unveiling of the NYCN Lagos State Bye-Law.
Several voluntary youth organisations participated in the event, including Man O’ War, Girl Guides, Lagos State Scout Council and Boys’ Brigade.
The Lagos Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Hamzat, was represented by his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James.
Other dignitaries at the programme included the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Miranda, Director-General of the PBAT-KOH Campaign Organisation, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and his deputy, Rasaq Ajala.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and other stakeholders also attended the gathering.
According to Adigun, the programme provided an opportunity for youth organisations to discuss challenges affecting their operations and contributions to community development.
He described voluntary youth organisations as important platforms for leadership development, mentorship, social advancement and community engagement but lamented that many were struggling because of inadequate government support.
The council chairman consequently proposed the establishment of a Lagos State Voluntary Youth Organisations Development and Support Fund to provide financial assistance and strengthen the activities of the organisations.
He also called for a registry and accreditation framework to improve coordination, accountability and recognition of voluntary youth groups across the state.
Other proposals included a Lagos Youth Community Prevention Partnership, capacity-building programmes, access to government youth centres and public facilities, as well as employment and economic empowerment partnerships.
Speaking on the political endorsement, Adigun said the decision was informed by what the council described as the performance of APC-led administrations at the federal and state levels, particularly their policies and programmes targeting youth development.
He cited President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the National Youth Conference as initiatives demonstrating the administration’s commitment to youth inclusion.
Adigun also described Hamzat as an experienced administrator with the leadership capacity required to sustain Lagos State’s development.
He urged young people across the state to participate actively in the political process and mobilise support for the endorsed candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The council further expressed its commitment to promoting youth participation in governance, economic opportunities, policy development and decision-making.
Another highlight of the event was the unveiling of the NYCN Lagos State Bye-Law by Sonayon-James alongside other dignitaries. The document is expected to provide an institutional framework for coordinating the activities of youth organisations across the state.
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