The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has recorded major milestones under the leadership of Commissioner Mobolaji Ogunlende, with more than 85,000 young people benefiting from a wide range of digital, vocational, leadership, and entrepreneurial programmes in the past year.
According to available public data, the progress is driven largely by the LAG-UP Project—one of the state’s largest youth-focused tech initiatives. The programme, implemented in partnership with private-sector organisations, has trained tens of thousands of youths across 84 tech and creative skill areas. More than 23,000 participants have completed their training and earned certifications aimed at improving their competitiveness in the digital economy.
In addition to digital training, the Ministry has intensified efforts in vocational development. Over 4,000 young people including more than 3,200 young women have been trained in trades such as tailoring, carpentry, shoemaking, tiling, and software development. Officials say this aligns with the state government’s strategy to equip youths with both traditional and emerging skills.
Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programmes Gain Momentum
Ogunlende has also strengthened leadership and civic engagement initiatives. The IBILE Youth Academy recently graduated over 500 young leaders who were trained in innovation, problem-solving, and community development.
Similarly, the Amplifier Business Clinic provided ₦10 million in grants to emerging entrepreneurs following a competitive pitch session. During the 2025 Youth Leadership Convention, the Commissioner also awarded a ₦1 million grant to a participant whose business proposal was adjudged outstanding.
Ministry Intensifies Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Youth Vulnerability
Beyond skills acquisition, the Ministry has deepened its social intervention programmes. It recently expanded its Lagos Kicks Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA) initiative, which partners with schools, NGOs, community groups, and rehabilitation centres to address rising concerns about drug abuse and youth mental health.
Ogunlende described the campaign as part of a broader effort to safeguard the well-being and dignity of young people across the state.
Support for Vulnerable Communities
In Badagry, the Ministry led a large-scale outreach that provided food palliatives to over 15,000 vulnerable residents. The intervention was aimed at cushioning economic hardship and strengthening the government’s grassroots support framework.
A Youth-First Approach
Stakeholders say the Ministry’s recent activities signal a renewed commitment to youth welfare and development in Lagos. With continuous investment in human capital, entrepreneurship, mental-health support, and social protection, the state government appears to be positioning young people as central to its long-term development agenda.
The Ministry encourage Lagos youths to take advantage of the increasing number of programmes available to them, describing the current season as one that offers “unprecedented opportunity for growth, empowerment, and participation.”
