The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative, in collaboration with the New Generation Directorate, has brought together 250 youth leaders representing 125 riverine and coastal communities across Lagos State to discuss developmental challenges, youth empowerment and inclusive governance.
The Lagos Riverine Community Youth Leaders Dialogue, held at the Badore Ferry Terminal, Ajah, provided a platform for young people to present community-specific concerns and propose solutions to challenges affecting their communities.
The engagement was aimed at strengthening communication between government stakeholders and grassroots communities, particularly underserved riverine settlements facing geographical barriers and limited access to essential services.
Speaking at the event, the host, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, emphasised the importance of involving young people in governance and development planning, particularly in coastal and riverine areas.
Emmanuel stressed that sustainable development requires effective communication between government and grassroots communities, noting that residents’ concerns must be understood and reflected in policies and implementation strategies.
During the interactive session, youth leaders highlighted pressing challenges in their communities, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, unemployment, transportation difficulties, environmental concerns and insufficient youth empowerment opportunities.
They also called for improved access to government programmes and social services, as well as development initiatives tailored to the unique geographical and socioeconomic conditions of riverine settlements.
Responding to the concerns, Emmanuel acknowledged the issues raised and assured participants that their requests and recommendations would be forwarded to the appropriate government authorities for consideration and necessary action.
In her goodwill message, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State and Director of the New Generation Directorate, urged young people across riverine and coastal communities to take an active role in governance and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
James said youth participation should go beyond expressing grievances or criticising government policies to include constructive engagement, proposing practical solutions and contributing to decision-making processes at the grassroots and state levels.
She described young people as critical stakeholders in building responsive leadership and inclusive communities, noting that their energy, creativity, innovation and understanding of local challenges could help drive sustainable development.
She further encouraged the youth leaders to remain united, organised and committed to their communities’ progress, while sustaining engagement with government institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
The APC deputy governorship candidate also urged young people to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but as active partners in governance, community development and shaping the future of Lagos State.
The dialogue also featured engagement with the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, alongside other stakeholders from the New Generation Directorate.
Discussions focused on youth development, employment and livelihood opportunities, education, healthcare, environmental protection, infrastructure and community welfare, with participants emphasising the need for policies that address the specific challenges facing coastal and riverine populations.
The youth leaders also stressed the importance of stronger communication between community representatives and public institutions to improve access to government interventions and ensure that underserved communities are adequately represented in development planning.
With 250 participants drawn from 125 riverine and coastal communities, the dialogue sought to strengthen grassroots participation and ensure that young people’s perspectives inform broader conversations on governance and development.
The collaboration between Blue Lagos and the New Generation Directorate underscored the importance of engaging young people as partners in promoting inclusive growth and expanding development opportunities within Lagos State’s blue economy.
The initiative also highlighted the need for sustained cooperation among government agencies, community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to address the developmental challenges confronting riverine communities.
Blue Lagos and the New Generation Directorate reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening youth participation, improving engagement between communities and decision-makers, and promoting inclusive development across Lagos State’s riverine and coastal areas.
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