Lagos Youth Council Backs Tinubu and Hamzat for 2027 Elections

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, has shown support for President Bola Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as we head towards the 2027 elections.

Ibrahim Adigun, the NYCN Chairman in Lagos, shared this news in a statement on Monday. He said they endorsed the candidates during the Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYO) 1.0 event held on Saturday.

Adigun explained that the event, titled “Converging Lagos Youth Voices: Voluntary Youth Organisations as Pillars of Structure, Accountability and Sustainable Youth Development,” was part of the National Youth Day celebration.

The gathering also featured the official launch of the NYCN Lagos State Bye-Law. It took place at the Campus Mini Stadium on Lagos Island, bringing together many voluntary youth groups like Man O’ War, Girl Guides, Lagos State Scout Council, and Boys’ Brigade.

Lagos Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, was represented by his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James. Other notable figures included the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Miranda; Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Director-General of PBAT-KOH Campaign Organisation; and Hon. Rasaq Ajala, his deputy.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development was also present, along with several stakeholders. Adigun mentioned that the event allowed them to look at the challenges facing voluntary youth organisations in society.

He noted that these organisations are key for leadership growth and social progress but face many problems due to lack of government support. Adigun then pushed for a Lagos State VYO Development and Support Fund and a VYO Registry and Accreditation Framework.

Other suggestions included a Lagos Youth Community Prevention Partnership, skills training for youth organisations, and better access to government youth centres and public facilities. He also called for economic empowerment and job partnerships.

On the political support, Adigun said it was based on how the APC-led governments have performed at both federal and state levels, especially in youth development. He pointed out that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda shows a commitment to including youth through initiatives like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the National Youth Conference.

Adigun described Hamzat as an experienced leader who understands governance well enough to keep Lagos State moving forward. He said the council believes that sticking with the APC will strengthen youth empowerment and inclusive governance.

He urged young people in the state to take charge of the political process and support Tinubu and Hamzat in the upcoming elections. He said, “Our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is born out of our conviction that the APC-led administrations at the federal and state levels have shown commitment to youth development and inclusion.

“From the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to the National Youth Conference and the inclusion of young people in governance, there are real efforts that deserve recognition. We believe these initiatives lay a strong foundation for a better future for Nigerian youths,” Adigun stated.

He expressed trust in Hamzat’s ability to maintain the state’s progress. He urged the youth to rally behind the APC candidates, saying, “Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has shown the skills, experience, and leadership needed to keep the gains in Lagos State.

“As the main body of youth organisations in Lagos, we are dedicated 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 ongoing investment in human capital development are critical to the future we want for Lagos,” he added.

According to a 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 and other dignitaries. This bye-law is expected to help coordinate the activities of youth organisations in the state.