LASU-SDG Youth Club Inauguration/Induction, Asserts Younger Generation To Thriving In Society

Permanent Secretary, Office of SDGs & Investment, Lagos State says at LASU-SDG Youth Club Inauguration/Induction, asserts that the younger generation remains the best asset that can drive a thriving society. 

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals & Investment, Lagos State, Mrs. Abosede George, has asserted that the younger generation remains the best asset that can drive a thriving society. 

She disclosed this during her speech as a guest speaker at the inauguration/induction ceremony of the LASU-SDG Youth Club organized by the Lagos State University Centre for the Actualization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (LASU-SDG) on Friday, 21st July 2023 at the Conference Hall, 3-in-1 Building, Faculty of Education, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

Mrs. George averred that the Lagos State Government established the Office of SDGs and Investment to engage the citizenry and inspire both the old and new generation of leaders towards galvanising action to urgently achieve the global agenda.

In her words “…. our determination to nurturing leaders who will carry the torch forward and build upon the foundations we have laid as a responsible government is being exemplified through the Lagos SDGs Youth Alliance. The 2030 Agenda is for the present and the future so young people should take ownership and drive it now.”

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi I. Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, in her remarks appreciated the LASU-SDG under the leadership of Prof. Tayo Ajayi, for their commitment to raising this generation of leaders, the United Nations body for their full support of the programme and the Lagos State Office of SDGs and Investment for their interest and support for the activities of the University.

While congratulating the inductees, the Vice Chancellor said “…. I believe that this is a bold step that will go a long way in building your human and leadership capacities and prepare you for a lifetime of impact. The benefits are also enormous among which is the exposure you will get to several opportunities available to you as an SDG Ambassador”. 

The Director, Centre for the Actualization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Prof. Tayo Ajayi, in his address stated that the LASU-SDG Youth Club was established to serve as a platform for the youths to share their perspectives and ideas to achieve the SDGs by 2030.  

He added that “…the active engagement of youth in sustainable development efforts is central to achieving sustainable, inclusive and stable societies by the target date and to averting the worst threats and challenges to sustainable development”.

In his goodwill message, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, stated that the UN is committed to working with institutions like Lagos State University to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. 

Speaking further, he said “…everyone of you can be a catalyst of change and an ambassador for sustainability but only together can we build the momentum that is needed to achieve the 2030 agenda”.

The President, LASU-SDG Youth Club, Obadare Adenekan, in his speech appealed to the guests at the ceremony for their continuous support and partnership in order to scale up the reach and impact of the club. “I am confident that together, we can achieve great things for ourselves, our university, our country, and our planet. Together, we can raise high the banners of the Lagos State University as a model of excellence and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond,” He said.

The highlight of the event was the decoration of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi I. Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Champion and Advocate by the UN Boss, Mr. Matthias Schmale and Assistant Director, LASU-SDG, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Soladoye.

The Deputy Director, LASU-SDG, Dr. Teslim Ojuromi, gave the vote of thanks.

The historic event was well attended by members of the University Management, members of the Lagos State office of SDGs and Investment, Staff and Students of Lagos State University.

MySchoolNews reporting.