Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised to implement recommendations made at the Lagos Youth Symposium with the theme “Rebuilding For Greatness; Peaceful Conflict Resolution.
The Lagos Youth Symposium is part of a series of engagements aimed at bridging the communication gap between the youths and government.
Addressing thousands of youths who had converged on Agidingbi, Ikeja for the Symposium, Governor Sanwo-Olu who itemized the series of suggestions made by the speakers, described the event as a day of reconciliation and taking ownership of the future.
“Today is about not forgetting what the past is, but indeed coming together to say we want to have a future together, We want to build together forge ahead together, today is about the new Lagos, today is about a greater Lagos” the Governor states
In a keynote speech, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof Wahab Elias who commended efforts being made by the State government to recover from and heal the wounds of the endsars protests noted that conflict is imminent in every society, and the most important aspect of conflict resolution is monitoring and evaluation to prevent reoccurrences.
Prof Elias who claimed that 15% of Nigerian youths reside in Lagos State emphasized that all hands must be on deck to prevent the youths from being used for wanton destruction.
In a panel discussion, participants highlighted the need for dialogue and negotiation to prevent a battle of egos during conflicts and the “we-against-them” syndrome.
The panelists also stressed the need for government at all levels to give priority to investment in people and continuous engagements with the people, especially the youths.
They recommended the establishment of conflict resolution desks at the grassroots/local government as well as virtual engagements with the youths.
In their remarks, some of the youths leaders commended the state government for organizing the summit and for its many programmes aimed at ensuring the development of the youths
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Oluwagbemiga Aina stated that the Symposium is geared towards enlightening the youths on how to employ peaceful ways of engaging the Government.
Next week, the maiden Lagos Police Youth Dialogue will be held to further deepen a cordial relationship between stakeholders, while the 5th Assembly of the Lagos Youth Parliament will also be inaugurated in the next few days.
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