Hamzat Urges Youths To Embrace Education, Skills Acquisition For National Development

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Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor has urged young Nigerians to pursue formal education or acquire vocational skills, stressing that either pathway is essential to building a productive citizenry and driving national development.

He gave the charge on Friday at a symposium organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos Chapter, titled 2.0 Youth and Governance, Assembly edition and unveiling of  NYCN Lagos Wards Champions, themed “ Building the Future of Governance through Youth Participation,” held at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.

He also said the state government is working towards a policy framework where it will no longer be acceptable for any child below the age of 18 to be out of school, as every young person is expected to be enrolled in formal education or engaged in structured learning or skills acquisition programmes.

According to him, “It should be considered unacceptable for any young person below the age of 18 to be out of school and not engaged in any form of learning or vocational training. Every child must either be in school or acquiring a skill. Nigerian youths must also reject drug abuse in all its forms and wherever it exists across the country.

“To the NYCN Champions, I charge you with the responsibility of helping to build a society that will secure a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

Speaking further, Hamzat stressed the importance of education, vocational training, and personal development in preparing young people for the opportunities and challenges of the modern world, adding that education remains one of the most effective tools for social and economic advancement.

He urged young Nigerians to develop a clear sense of identity, build capacity, and actively participate in governance, stressing that self-awareness remains the foundation for meaningful leadership and national development.

He said that Lagos has consistently pursued policies aimed at expanding economic opportunities and empowering young people through initiatives such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), which has helped sustain thousands of jobs and provided support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

While addressing youth participation in governance, Hamzat underscored the importance of involving young people in policy formulation and implementation, noting that while experience remains valuable, the future belongs to the younger generation, whose perspectives and realities must be reflected in government decision-making processes.

Speaking further, the Deputy Governor noted that the government must continue to build the economic capacity of citizens by equipping entrepreneurs with the skills required to establish and sustain successful enterprises, adding that sustainable development can only be achieved when people are empowered with knowledge, discipline, and the tools needed to thrive in a competitive economy.

He emphasized that learning should not end with the acquisition of certificates, but continuous self-development remains critical to personal and professional growth.

The Deputy Governor stated that the youths must develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, as technical competence alone is no longer sufficient in today’s highly competitive environment.

Dr. Idiat Adebule, Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District in her goodwill message, states that the youth remain critical stakeholders in nation-building, and every effort aimed at empowering, educating, and inspiring them deserves our collective support.

She emphasized the need for sustained investments in initiatives that equip them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities required to thrive in a rapidly changing world, while reaffirming her office’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, education, and community development.

Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, earlier in her address, noted that the initiative represents a deliberate effort to deepen grassroots participation and create a network of youth leaders who will serve as ambassadors of civic responsibility, community development, and democratic engagement across Nigeria and local communities.

Meranda added that the Lagos State House of Assembly recognizes that investing in youth development is not an act of charity; it is an investment in the future stability, prosperity, and progress of the state and national economy.

“To the young people gathered here today, I encourage you to embrace leadership with intensity, competence, and humility. It is the collective enterprise that requires the participation of informed, responsible, and committed citizens.

“For our young people, participation in governance goes beyond elections. It must include civic engagement, policy advocacy, community service, leadership development, and constructive contributions to public discourse,” she said.

Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, in his welcome address, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the State Government to supporting initiatives that promote youth inclusion, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and leadership development.

He stressed that young people should not be viewed merely as leaders of tomorrow but as leaders of today who must be equipped to contribute meaningfully to public discourse and decision-making processes, highlighting the government’s commitment to youth development through programmes focused on capacity building, leadership development, advocacy campaigns, youth empowerment, and civic engagement.

Engr. Ibrahim Olalekan Adigun, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter in his welcome address, described the event as a privilege for young people to see themselves as active architects of Nigeria’s future, adding that the government is to expand opportunities for young Nigerians through initiatives focused on education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

While highlighting the Council’s achievements, the Chairman emphasized the Council’s collaboration with government agencies and development partners to promote innovation, leadership training, and economic opportunities for youths, while leveraging existing youth centres and community structures to drive positive social change.