The Lagos State Youth Council has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced by the council’s Lagos State Chairman, Ibrahim Adigun, in a statement following the Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYO) 1.0 programme held on Saturday at the Campus Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.
Adigun said the council’s decision was based on what it described as the commitment of the All Progressives Congress-led administrations to youth development and inclusion.
He specifically cited the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the National Youth Conference and the involvement of young people in governance as examples of initiatives supporting youth participation.
The council also expressed confidence in Hamzat’s ability to sustain the development of Lagos State, describing him as an experienced administrator.
Adigun said the organisation would mobilise young people across the state to support Tinubu’s re-election bid and Hamzat’s governorship ambition, alongside his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James.
Beyond the political endorsement, the council called for increased government investment in voluntary youth organisations, arguing that many of the groups face challenges due to inadequate institutional and financial support.
It proposed the establishment of a Lagos State Voluntary Youth Organisations Development and Support Fund and a registry and accreditation framework to improve coordination among youth groups.
Other recommendations included employment partnerships, capacity-building programmes, access to government youth centres and the creation of a Lagos Youth Community Prevention Partnership.
The event also featured the unveiling of the NYCN Lagos State bye-law, which is expected to provide a framework for coordinating the activities of youth organisations across the state.
Several organisations, including Man O’ War, Girl Guides, Lagos State Scout Council and Boys’ Brigade, participated in the programme.
