2027: Lagos youth council endorses Tinubu, Hamzat

Obafemi Hamzat and President Tinubu. Photo: State House

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, has reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman of NYCN in Lagos, Ibrahim Adigun, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday, saying that the endorsement was made at the Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYO) 1.0 held on Saturday.

Adigun said that the event, themed “Converging Lagos Youth Voices: Voluntary Youth Organisations as Pillars of Structure, Accountability and Sustainable Youth Development,” commemorated National Youth Day.

He said that it also featured the formal unveiling of the NYCN Lagos State Bye-Law.

The programme, held at the Campus Mini Stadium, Lagos Island, attracted several voluntary youth organisations, including Man O’ War, Girl Guides, Lagos State Scout Council and Boys’ Brigade.

The event was attended by the Lagos Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, represented by his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James.

Others included the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Miranda; Director-General of PBAT-KOH Campaign Organisation, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; and his deputy, Hon. Rasaq Ajala.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and other stakeholders also attended the event.

According to Adigun, the programme provided an opportunity to examine challenges hindering the effective performance of voluntary youth organisations in society.

He described the organisations as important platforms for leadership development and social advancement but lamented their limited effectiveness due to inadequate government support.

He consequently advocated the establishment of a Lagos State VYO Development and Support Fund and a VYO Registry and Accreditation Framework.

Other proposals included a Lagos Youth Community Prevention Partnership, capacity development for youth organisations and access to government youth centres and public facilities.

He also called for youth economic empowerment and employment partnerships, as well as the institutionalisation of the Lagos State Voluntary Youth Organisations Assembly.

On the political endorsement, Adigun said the decision was informed by the performance of APC-led administrations at the federal and state levels, particularly their policies and programmes addressing youth development.

He noted that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had demonstrated commitment to youth inclusion through initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the National Youth Conference and other interventions.

Adigun described Hamzat as an experienced administrator with the competence and understanding of governance required to sustain Lagos State’s development.

He said the council believed that continuity under the APC would provide a stronger platform for youth empowerment, economic advancement and inclusive governance.

He urged young people across the state to take ownership of the political process and mobilise support for Tinubu and Hamzat in the 2027 elections.

“Our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is borne out of our conviction that the APC-led administrations at the federal and state levels have demonstrated commendable commitment to youth development and inclusion.

“From the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to the National Youth Conference and the deliberate inclusion of young people in governance, there are tangible efforts that deserve recognition.

“We believe these initiatives provide a strong foundation for a better future for Nigerian youths,” Adigun stated.

He further expressed confidence in Hamzat’s capacity to sustain the state’s development, urging young people to support the APC candidates.

“Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has demonstrated the competence, experience and leadership capacity required to sustain the gains recorded in Lagos State.

“As the umbrella body of youth organisations in Lagos, we are committed to mobilising young people across the state to support the re-election of President Tinubu and the emergence of Dr. Hamzat and his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James in 2027.

“We believe continuity, purposeful leadership and sustained investment in human capital development are critical to the future we desire for Lagos,” he added.

According to the release shared with PUNCH Online on Tuesday, another highlight of the event was the unveiling of the NYCN Lagos State Bye-Law by Sonayon-James, alongside other dignitaries.

The bye-law is expected to provide an institutional framework for the coordination and activities of youth organisations in the state.