The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to strengthening the capacity of young people through practical skills and new opportunities that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. This assurance was given by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, at the maiden edition of the Lagos Corps Members Summit 2025, held at the Assbifi Event Centre for Corps Members residing in the State.
Mr Ogunlende explained that the goal is to build youth who can create solutions across different sectors rather than rely solely on white collar jobs after graduation. He stated, “We want to build youth who will be able to provide solutions to problems wherever they find themselves, thereby becoming job creators instead of seeking white collar jobs after graduation. Every problem is an opportunity for us to look inward and bring out the creativity and innovation in us and change our environment for a better place.”
The Commissioner, represented by Mr Ibukun Dosunmu, Director of General Services in MYSD, noted that the Ministry has introduced several programmes over the years to help young people acquire relevant skills, improve their global competitiveness, and participate actively in socioeconomic development, policymaking, and political processes in Lagos State. He explained that the LACORPS Summit supports this vision by offering hands-on training in production, agro-enterprise, and digital media skills, including video editing with mobile phones, alongside access to production tools and techniques. He added, “By empowering young people with practical knowledge, we are preparing them not just to seek jobs but to create jobs and become economic drivers within their communities.”
He also highlighted that the Summit would introduce participants to emerging opportunities such as MYPROGIG, a forward-looking concept designed to push young people to think beyond traditional boundaries, explore new possibilities, use modern tools, and embrace creativity as a pathway to economic independence.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, described the event as a celebration of possibility, creativity, and the extraordinary potential of Lagos youth. Represented by Mr Hameed Lukman Adeyemi, Director of the Youth Department, she said the summit aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. She noted that the programme is aimed at equipping Corps Members with skills and competence needed to address rising youth unemployment and underemployment in Lagos, particularly for those seeking careers in the creative industry and agriculture.
According to her, the Summit would equip Corps Members with practical market-ready skills in creative production, agro-enterprise, digital content development, and technological innovation; foster entrepreneurship and self-reliance; promote collaboration and mentorship; and inspire bold thinking and problem solving to prepare young people to become contributors to national development rather than job seekers.
