The Executive Chairman of Lekki LCDA, Engr. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali (MNSE, MNATE), has celebrated young people across the council area as the world marks International Youth Day.
Epe Insights reports that Kasali described youths as an important force with the energy, ideas and potential to shape the future of Lekki LCDA and society at large.
The chairman said the contribution of young people should be recognised beyond special occasions such as International Youth Day.
He stressed that youths deserve to be heard, trusted and given meaningful opportunities to participate in community development.
According to Kasali, young people should be regarded as active partners in building stronger and more prosperous communities.
He noted that their ideas, skills and creativity can contribute significantly to solving challenges and creating new opportunities.
The Lekki LCDA chairman also emphasised the importance of youth participation in governance and community affairs.
He said a better Lekki cannot be achieved through government efforts alone.
Kasali explained that sustainable development requires the active participation of young people who are willing to learn, serve and contribute positively to society.
He encouraged youths to take responsibility for the communities where they live.
The chairman urged them to use their talents and abilities to contribute to the development of Lekki LCDA.
He also highlighted innovation as an important area where young people can make a difference.
According to him, youths possess the creativity required to develop ideas that can generate value and address community needs.
Kasali reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that create opportunities for young people.
He said the council would continue to promote programmes that enable youths to acquire knowledge and develop relevant abilities.
The chairman noted that access to knowledge remains essential to preparing young people for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
He encouraged youths to remain committed to learning and personal development.
Kasali also called on young people to discover and develop their individual talents.
He said identifying one’s abilities can provide a strong foundation for personal growth and meaningful contribution to society.
The chairman further stressed the importance of translating ideas into practical value.
He encouraged youths to move beyond having ideas by seeking ways to turn their creativity into initiatives that can benefit individuals and communities.
According to him, youth empowerment should involve more than providing short-term support.
He said meaningful empowerment should equip young people with knowledge, skills and opportunities that can produce lasting benefits.
Kasali also recognised the importance of youth involvement in community service.
He urged young people to contribute their time, skills and energy towards initiatives that improve the lives of residents.
The chairman said active participation would strengthen the relationship between young people and their communities.
He noted that young residents have a role to play in identifying challenges and developing solutions.
Kasali maintained that the future of Lekki LCDA depends partly on how effectively its young population is supported and engaged.
He therefore reaffirmed the council’s willingness to create platforms where youths can express themselves and contribute to development.
The chairman’s message also encouraged young people to embrace responsibility alongside opportunity.
He said youths should be prepared to make positive contributions while taking advantage of programmes designed to improve their prospects.
Kasali called for greater trust between young people and community leaders.
He said giving youths meaningful responsibilities can help develop leadership capacity and strengthen community participation.
The chairman further encouraged young people to remain committed to values that promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
He said young people can become important agents of positive change when their energy is directed towards productive activities.
The International Youth Day celebration therefore provided an opportunity for the Lekki LCDA administration to highlight the importance of youth inclusion.
Kasali said young people should not be considered only when their numbers are required for events or programmes.
Instead, he maintained that they should have a consistent voice in matters affecting their communities.
The chairman also emphasised the need for continuous investment in youth development.
He said supporting young people today would contribute to building a stronger community in the future.
Kasali expressed confidence in the ability of Lekki youths to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the council area.
He encouraged them to continue learning, innovating, serving and taking responsibility.
The chairman also urged young people to transform their potential into practical contributions that benefit society.
He reaffirmed that the council would continue to support initiatives aimed at helping youths discover their abilities.
Such efforts, he noted, would create opportunities for young people to develop themselves and contribute to Lekki’s development.
Kasali concluded by celebrating young people across Lekki LCDA, Lagos State, Nigeria and beyond.
He wished them a happy International Youth Day and encouraged them to remain active participants in building the society they want to see.
