The Lagos Community Youth Development Initiative (LCYDI) has hosted delegates from across Lagos State at its 2026 State Convention and Youth in Leadership Symposium, a strategic gathering aimed at promoting youth participation in democratic leadership, governance, and national development.

The event, themed “Youth at the Centre: Positioning the Next Generation for Democratic Leadership and National Development,” , held at Topflight Royale Hotel, Oke-Odo on Saturday 24th October, 2026, brought together several young leaders, government officials, community representatives, stakeholders, development advocates, youth organizations and other distinguished guests to discuss the role of young people in shaping the future of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Busola Afolabi Esther,  during her address to the delegates on the topic, “Empowering young people to shape democratic governance and political leadership” emphasized the importance of empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities required to participate in the democratic process not only as campaigners but as policy shapers, political party leaders, and active stakeholders.

She began her speech with a thought-provoking question for all participants: “[Are Nigerian’s young people genuinely participating in democracy or helping others to attain power?” This question snowballed into a robust conversation that challenged youths to take action, while encouraging the older generation to support the youth to ensure a guaranteed, blissful future for the country.

Also speaking at the event was Hon. Ogungbo Temitope Sofwan, the Supervisor for Environment, Ibeju-Lekki Local council development area. He encouraged youths to embrace innovation, promote responsible behaviours, and to always ensure personal accountability especially in discharging their civic responsibilities.

The symposium featured two panel sessions, which discussed the barriers to service delivery in governance, and, leadership beyond titles, respectively. The sessions provided participants with opportunities to exchange ideas, develop leadership capacities, and explore practical solutions to challenges affecting young people and their communities. Among the panelists were: Hon. Allen Akin Allen, Hon Fisayo Olamide Fadipe, Dr. Odunayo Yewande, Comr. Olowoporoku Hawau, Dr Faosat Agboola, Senior Comrade Lukman Babatunde, and Comr. Funmilayo Oguntoye.

The program also featured a service impact award to worthy recipients who have distinguished themselves though consistent support for youths, and youth-led initiatives. Among the awardees were Hon. Ogungbo Temitope Sofwan, and Dr. (Alhaja) Faosat Abiola Agboola Principal, Lagos Island Vocational Education Institute, and Matron, LCYDI at the Lagos Island Chapter.

The Special guest of honour was Hon. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, former Lagos State commissioner for Wealth creation, ably represented by Mr Aare Babatunde.

In his remarks, the outgoing State Chairman, LCYDI, Otunba Dele Moses, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots development across Lagos State. He stated that the organization has come a long way and will continue to do more in nurturing responsible, visionary development oriented youths.

The newly elected Chairman, Comrade Fashola Olajide also unveiled the organization’s development agenda for the next two years. He stated that the agenda is coiled into an Acronym, “HELDS”, Health, Education, Empowerment and Employability, Leadership, Development, and Service.

The event also provided a platform for delegates to strengthen relationships, share experiences, and identify opportunities for collaboration in advancing youth participation in governance, community development, and civic engagement.
Through initiatives such as the State Convention and Youth in Leadership Symposium, LCYDI continues to promote a generation of informed, responsible, and proactive young people capable of contributing to democratic governance and sustainable national development.

The organization expressed appreciation to its delegates, speakers, sponsors, and stakeholders for their contributions towards the success of the event, while encouraging young people across Lagos State to actively participate in initiatives that promote leadership, community service, and social development.

About Lagos Community Youth Development Initiative (LCYDI)

The Lagos Community Youth Development Initiative (LCYDI) is a youth-focused organisation committed to promoting youth development, leadership, civic engagement, and community participation across Lagos State. Through its programmes and activities, the organisation seeks to empower young people to become responsible leaders and active contributors to community and national development.