The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, has reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu and the APC governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of NYCN in Lagos, Mr Ibrahim Adigun, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the endorsement was made at the Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYO) 1.0,a youth programme, held on Saturday.
Adigun said the event, themed “Converging Lagos Youth Voices: Voluntary Youth Organisations as Pillars of Structure, Accountability and Sustainable Youth Development,” commemorated the 2026 National Youth Day.
He said it featured the formal unveiling of the NYCN Lagos State Bye-Law and attracted several voluntary youth organisations, including Man O’ War, Girl Guides, Lagos State Scout Council and Boys’ Brigade.
“Our organisations are ready to support government in building safer communities through prevention, mentorship and positive youth engagement.
“We recognise the contributions of the current administration, and we believe that the next phase must build on these foundations with greater investment, stronger institutions and more inclusive youth participation.
“Our young people must not only be mobilised during political seasons; they must be included in governance, policy development, economic opportunities and decision-making.
“The youth should not only be the strength behind political movements; they must also be part of the leadership, ideas and institutions that shape the future of Lagos,” Adigun said.
According to Adigun, the programme provided an opportunity to examine challenges hindering the effective performance of voluntary youth organisations in society.
He described the organisations as important platforms for leadership development and social advancement but lamented their limited effectiveness due to inadequate government support.
He consequently advocated the establishment of a Lagos State VYO Development and Support Fund and a VYO Registry and Accreditation Framework.
Other proposals included a Lagos Youth Community Prevention Partnership, capacity development for youth organisations and access to government youth centres and public facilities.
He also called for youth economic empowerment and employment partnerships, as well as the institutionalisation of the Lagos State Voluntary Youth Organisations Assembly.
On the political endorsement, Adigun said the decision was informed by the performance of APC-led administrations at the federal and state levels, particularly their policies and programmes addressing youth development.
He noted that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had demonstrated commitment to youth inclusion through initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the National Youth Conference and other interventions.
Adigun described Hamzat as an experienced administrator with the competence and understanding of governance required to sustain Lagos State’s development.
He said the council believed that continuity under the APC would provide a stronger platform for youth empowerment, economic advancement and inclusive governance.
The youth leader urged young people across the state to take ownership of the political process and mobilise support for Tinubu and Hamzat in the 2027 elections.
“Our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is borne out of our conviction that the APC-led administrations at the federal and state levels have demonstrated commendable commitment to youth development and inclusion.
“From the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to the National Youth Conference and the deliberate inclusion of young people in governance, there are tangible efforts that deserve recognition.
“We believe these initiatives provide a strong foundation for a better future for Nigerian youths,” Adigun added.
He further expressed confidence in Hamzat’s capacity to sustain the state’s development, urging young people to support the APC candidates.
“Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has demonstrated the competence, experience and leadership capacity required to sustain the gains recorded in Lagos State.
“As the umbrella body of youth organisations in Lagos, we are committed 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 sustained investment in human capital development are critical to the future we desire for Lagos,” he added.
The bye-law is expected to provide an institutional framework for the coordination and activities of youth organisations in the state.
