The Lagos State Government has partnered with key stakeholders to overhaul its youth policy, addressing issues such as youth unemployment, inadequate education, and skills development.
The revamped policy now focuses on job creation, entrepreneurship, and digital education, with the aim/goal of transforming the lives of the state’s youth
With a population exceeding 23 million, Lagos has one of the largest youth demographics in Nigeria. However, the youth face significant challenges, including high unemployment rates, with over 50% of young people in the state unemployed.
The existing policy struggled to keep up with the evolving labor market, particularly in emerging fields like technology and digital entrepreneurship, prompting the need for an update.
The new policy emphasizes empowering young people to create their own opportunities, with initiatives like business hubs and microfinance programs, especially in the tech sector.
Lagos state is home, to over 4,000 startups and is positioning its youth as key drivers of innovation. A central focus of the policy is digital skills education, such as coding, digital marketing, and graphic design, which are essential for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.
In her address during the unveiling and public presentation of the document, Barrister Abimbola Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, urged the youth to take full advantage of the revised policy, which aligns with their evolving needs and aspirations.
A 2022 World Economic Forum report predicts that by 2025, 133 million new roles will be created globally, most of which will require digital proficiency.
The policy also promotes social inclusion, encouraging youth participation in governance and community decisions, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 for inclusive societies.
The policy also emphasizes mental health support and reproductive health education, addressing the pressures many young people face in a fast-paced city like Lagos. A 2023 survey found that 43% of youth reported frequent stress due to economic pressures and job uncertainty.
Vocational and technical training plays a key role in the policy, with Lagos aiming to expand its network of over 500 vocational centers. These centers will provide young people with the practical skills needed in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technology.
The policy update responds to urgent challenges, including high unemployment and the growing demand for digital literacy. It aligns with international frameworks, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth, and Goal 10 on reducing inequality.
The expected impact is a significant reduction in unemployment, an increase in entrepreneurial activity, and greater youth participation in society.
The success of the policy, however, depends on the active participation, ownership, and engagement of the youth, as emphasized by the Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende.
He also acknowledged the critical contributions of key stakeholders who collaborated to shape the policy. “Your dedication has helped create a document that reflects the aspirations and needs of our young people in Lagos. As we unveil this revised policy, we envision a Lagos where every young person has access to opportunities and is empowered to chase their dreams, creating a prosperous and inclusive society. We see a future where youth are not just recipients of policies, but leaders and innovators addressing both local and global challenges.”He said.
In the long term, the policy is expected to foster a more prosperous and inclusive future for youth in Lagos by providing a solid platform for skills development, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being. The state has become a model of youth empowerment for other Nigerian states.
However, the Manager of Governance, Judith Gbagidi at ActionAid Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, stresses the need to move beyond policy to ensure effective implementation, particularly for youth in hard-to-reach areas, marginalized groups, and those living with disabilities.
Ensuring that these groups benefit from the policy will be crucial in achieving the state’s broader goals of inclusivity and empowerment for all young people in Lagos.
Olusola Akintonde
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