The Fifth Assembly of the Lagos State Youth Parliament has held the maiden edition of the Eko Youth Parliamentary Summit, calling on the government to give greater attention to issues affecting young people in the state.
Delivering the keynote address at the event held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru urged youths to actively participate in governance by leveraging available platforms to contribute meaningful ideas that can positively impact society.
He said young people cannot afford to remain passive, stressing that they have valuable contributions to make to government. According to him, youths must familiarise themselves with the principles, procedures and practices of legislation to prepare for leadership roles.
“The Lagos State Government recognises that youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow but should also be given opportunities to assume leadership positions today. This is reflected in the present administration. Young people are naturally vibrant and innovative. You must go beyond social media engagement. As youth parliamentarians, your role is strategic because you represent the interests of young people across the state. Therefore, you must remain disciplined, study issues critically and propose workable solutions,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of early exposure to legislative processes, Abiru noted that young parliamentarians carry a generational responsibility, as their policies help shape the future of other youths. He added that while transformation may begin with programmes, sustainable impact requires sound policies enacted through legislative processes.
In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, described the summit as an initiative of the ministry aimed at preparing young people for constructive engagement in governance through legislative training.
Also speaking at the event, Rt (Hon) Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, Deputy Majority Leader of the House; Dr. Seriki Murtala, Lagos APC Youth Leader; and Hon. Abolanle Samiat Bada, Mayoress of Ikosi LCDA, commended the Ministry of Youth and Social Development for the initiative. They urged the youth parliamentarians to make the most of the opportunity to deepen their understanding of legislative processes.
In her welcome address, Speaker of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Maria Itunuoluwa Soniregun, applauded the state government for providing a legislative platform for young people through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development. She assured stakeholders that the parliament would utilise the opportunity to enact youth-focused bills aimed at addressing challenges confronting young people in Lagos State.
