Perturbed by the spate of violence among young people in communities across Lagos State, the state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, has pledged to tackle the menace and related challenges.
The commissioner made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting with voluntary youth organisations and non-governmental organisations in Lagos, on Thursday, at Onikan Youth Centre.
She stated that unemployment was the primary cause of “crime, restiveness and inter-street cult practice” and that “the development of human capital through the concept of SAVE: Skill Acquisition, Vocational Training and Empowerment will reduce unemployment, create desired values, increase productivity and promote self-reliance among youths.”
Akinbile-Yusuf, who chaired the discussion tagged: “Lagos State Youth Development Forum: Challenges and Opportunities,” also said there had been significant reduction in crime and cult-related violence in the recent past due to the ministry’s engagement of youths in skill acquisition programmes. She stated, however, that “the lack of concrete and synergised relationship” with corporate organisations neutralised the achievement.
She noted that the gathering was to form a synergy with non-governmental organisations, charity homes, philanthropists and other stakeholders in order to proffer lasting solutions to the increasing rate of crime among youths.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, called on organisations to support government’s initiative of creating “a conducive environment for the development of youths.”