‘We’re Raising Problem Solving Youths In Lagos’

Lagos State commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, has said the primary objective of his ministry is to build youth who can provide solutions to problems wherever they find themselves, thereby becoming job creators instead of seeking for white-collar jobs after graduation.

The commissioner yesterday at the maiden edition of the Lagos Corps’ Members (LACORPS) Summit 2025, held for corps members resident in Lagos.

Ogunlende, represented by Mr Ibukun Dosunmu, Director, General Services in MYSD said, “Over the years, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has implemented several programmes aimed at equipping our young people with relevant skills, strengthening their capacity to compete globally, and ensuring they become active contributors to the socioeconomic developments, policymaking and political activities of our State.

“The LACORPS Summit is to strengthen our various efforts by providing Corps Members with hands-on training in production, agro-enterprise, digital media skills such as video editing with mobile phones and access to production tools and techniques.

“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.”

The commissioner stated that the summit would expose participants to emerging opportunities, such as MYPROGIG – an innovative and forward-looking concept that encourages young people to think beyond traditional boundaries, tap into new possibilities, experiment with modern tools, and embrace creativity as a pathway to economic independence.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, said the Corps Members Summit was not just a historic first but a celebration of possibility, creativity, and the extraordinary potential of Lagos youth.

The Permanent Secretary, represented by Mr Hameed Lukman Adeyemi, a Director in Youth Department of the Ministry, said, “in line with the THEMES plus Agenda of Mr Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, that the Lagos Corps Members (LACORPS) Summit has been designed to equip the youth with the skills and competence they need to tackle the growing youth unemployment and underemployment in the state thereby preparing  Corps Members who have chosen to have career in the creative industry and agriculture.”

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, 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, empowering young people to turn ideas into viable ventures; promote collaboration and mentorship, connecting Corps Members with industry experts, innovators and thought leaders.