The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth High-Level Working Group on Youth inclusion in the 2023 election has commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continuous commitment to youth inclusion.
The group, which was set up by the APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel gave the commendation on Tuesday night during its visit to Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
It was led on the visit by its Co-chair, Mr Ahmad Salihijo, who is the Director-General, Nigeria Rural Electrification Agency.
Other members of the group in the delegation were a Commissioner in the Federal Character Commission, Mrs. Ginika Tor; a Special Adviser to the President, Wole Aboderin; and a Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Hamza.
The group presented to Sanwo-Olu for his consideration the list of young aspirants who purchased APC’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from Lagos State for different offices ahead of the party’s primary elections. They also appealed to the Governor to help encourage his colleagues in other APC states to do same.
Sanwo-Olu said to the team that his administration would continue to support youth inclusion in politics and governance. He added that his administration has, in the last three years, done a lot in the area of political appointments, science and technology, tourism, entertainment, jobs opportunities, entrepreneurship, tech start-up and empowerment for youths in the state.
He recalled that he was given an opportunity about 20 years ago when he was in his 30s to serve in the cabinet of the then Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and encouraged the youths to make good use of the unique presented to them to serve in different positions at the party and government levels.
“On the political side, not only will we create space for youths, we will ensure they are in the room with us because that is the reality. We will provide the opportunity for youths, but you too have to work it. You have to make sure that you are not taking anything for granted. The party has given a unique opportunity to youths in the delegate elections”, he said.
Israel, who was present at the meeting, thanked Sanwo-Olu for his continuous commitment to youth inclusion in politics and governance.
He commended the Governor for appointing many youths to serve in his cabinet as commissioners and special advisers, and giving the youths the opportunities to be appointed as non-cabinet special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, and heads of government agencies.
