Lagos deputy gov, others advocate youth inclusion in leadership

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, on Wednesday, enjoined all relevant stakeholders in Nigeria to unite and promote a collaborative approach that fosters an inclusive model where every generation has a voice. The deputy governor gave this charge while speaking at the Ikoyi Club 1938 86th Anniversary themed: “Ikoyi Club 1938: Repositioning for Modern Age,” held at Ikoyi, Lagos, saying that it was imperative for Nigerians to work together to build a model where every generation is represented, where ideas flow freely, and where the leaders reflect the diversity, ambition, and creativity of the society. According to him, by working together, stakeholders can create a vibrant, multigenerational platform where wisdom meets innovation, and every generation contributes to a brighter future, declaring that the time to act and give the younger generation a seat at the table they deserved is now. “In my view, the young generation of Nigerians are solution-oriented and often think outside the box, pushing boundaries in entrepreneurship, art, and technology which has helped create a meaningful impact in the society. “Let us give the younger generation a seat at the table, they deserve it,” he said. Hamzat said that Lagos had emerged as a beacon of infrastructure growth and digital innovation in Nigeria and Africa, being part of the strides Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration had recorded, noting that that the state government had launched several initiatives to foster a digital economy. The deputy governor said these initiatives include the Lagos Smart City project, Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), among others, pointing out that they had provided a platform for tech startups and entrepreneurs to thrive, while fostering an environment that encourages innovation and digital literacy. Dr. Hamzat, therefore, urged every forward-looking institution to court young people with the acumen and brilliance to initiate and birth ideas for the next level. “Our administration’s commitment to digital transformation is evident in initiatives like the Lagos State Digital Transformation Plan, which aims to leverage technology to improve governance and service delivery. “The deployment of smart technologies in traffic management, waste disposal, and public safety, among others, has enhanced the quality of life for residents and positioned Lagos as an emerging smart city that is eager to catch up with the advanced cities,” he said. Hamzat further stated that the present administration had continued to engage the youth in the state by giving them positions in government for which they had made a difference and justified the administration’s decision to give them leadership roles. He, therefore, encouraged the Leadership of the Ikoyi Club to also cede some of its leadership positions to young professionals who, he said would navigate a path the older generation of members might be apprehensive to take, due to generational differences. Speaking on the theme, the deputy governor emphasized that social clubs must leverage technology to ensure that every current and aspiring member had online access to transact almost every business with Ikoyi Club 1938 from the comfort of their office or home, except in rare cases. According to him, technology drives the passion of youths, saying that young people have a role to play in repositioning Ikoyi Club for the modern age and, therefore, the need for the elite club to inject fresh ideas into its scheme of operations. Besides, he said that the club had a fundamental role in enhancing the health of the youths by allowing them outside activities that enhance their vision, urging the leadership to talk of mental health issues due to cyberbullying and stalking. “These are areas where the club must design programs online that attack these negativities and then push it down physically for the youths,” the deputy governor said. Chairman of Ikoyi Club, Tafa Zibiri-Aliu, earlier in his speech, expressed the club’s commitment to upholding the values that had defined the organization for over eight decades, and ensuring that the Club’s Rule Book continues to serve as a guiding principle for all members. Zibiri-Aliu, while affirming that technology and innovation were essential to keeping pace with the changing times, noted that Ikoyi Club had, in the spirit of modernization, successfully introduced electronic voting during its election held in February this year. “We have already taken significant steps toward modernizing our operations and improving the member experience. One of these steps is the introduction of the IC 1938 app. which now allows members to easily order food and drinks, book games, and make subscription payments from the convenience of their mobile devices,” he said. Zibiri-Aliu urged all members to continue to embody the values of love, unity, and harmony as they celebrate the club’s 86th anniversary, just as he equally admonished the members to remain committed to upholding the club’s motto of “Global Harmony Through Recreation” and ensure that they abide by the rules that guide the great institution. Similarly, the panelists at the occasion emphasized the crucial balance between preserving the Ikoyi Club’s cherished traditions and embracing innovative ideas to propel the organization forward. They acknowledged the importance of maintaining the club’s norms and values while also recognizing the need for strategic evolution to ensure its continued relevance. Dr. Nneka Okekearu noted that incorporating new technologies, programs, and diverse activities, fostering inclusivity by engaging younger members and increasing cultural diversity within the club, among other initiatives would help sustain the future of the club. READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE