#EndSARS Protests Means Youth Development Must Be Prioritized – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babjide Sanwo-Olu has come out to say that the recent #EndSARS protests is a sign that governments at all levels must prioritize youth development and empowerment more in Nigeria.

He recently revealed that his government has earmarked a special provision for youth capacity development in the 2021 Appropriation Bill awaiting approval by the state House of Assembly.

According to him, proper planning must go into ensuring the welfare of our young people, women, elderly and the physically-challenged are well catered for.

He added that Lagos State is also focusing on the Graduate Internship Programme under which 4,000 thousand young graduates would be engaged and paid a monthly stipend of N40,000 for 6 months.

“The completion of this new 28-room Administrative Block constructed by Agboyi-Ketu LCDA is not only historic, but it is also unique and symbolic because it is the first stride to immortalise a great man, a progressive and grassroots politician, Sen. Adebayo Osinowo, who passed away in June. Also, I sincerely congratulate and commend the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA chairman, Hon. Funmilayo Akande Muhammed and her team for the laudable achievement of delivering a modern secretariat complex in the council.

“I have no doubt that these new complexes will provide the much-needed conducive work environment for public servants working in the councils and enhance their productivity and better service delivery.

“While projects such as these are really a commendable initiative, as they will have a great impact on the workforce at large; it is important to emphasise the need for all of us to understand that public infrastructure are part of our commonwealth being provided with public funds. We must safeguard them against vandalism, as witnessed in the State in the past couple of weeks ago.”

“As we prepare for a new fiscal year, let us ensure that adequate plans are put in place to, more than the current year, ensure that the welfare of our young people, women, elderly and the physically-challenged are well catered for. At the State level, we have made special provisions for youth capacity development in the 2021 budget.

“This is in addition to the ongoing youth empowerment programmes, including the Graduate Internship Programme under which 4,000 thousand young graduates would be engaged and paid a monthly stipend of N40,000 for 6 months.”