By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, Feb. 11, 2026 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has commended the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for inaugurating Youth Safety and Emergency Champions to strengthen grassroots response.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos Youth Safety and Emergency Champion (LYSEC) initiative was unveiled on Wednesday in Surulere.
The launch took place during the Lagos Youth Talk Series 2.0, organised by the NYCN, Lagos State chapter.
The initiative, led by NYCN Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Adigun, will complement existing safety and emergency agencies across the state.
Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, praised the initiative and described youths as vital in emergency response.
Represented by Mr Tobi Oladepo, he said rising population pressures demanded stronger community-based response mechanisms.
“Lagos’ growing population has come with its attendant issues of which emergency response is one of them,” he said.
He noted that LYSEC would reinforce ongoing government safety reforms under the THEMES PLUS agenda.
“The present administration has implemented a comprehensive plan to tackle any form of emergency in the state,” he said.
Oyerinde cited the “technology-driven Command and Control Centre” and “ever-ready emergency response agencies” as key pillars.
He added that the ‘Light Up Lagos’ policy had enhanced night movement and strengthened security across the state.
He urged youths to lead community emergency efforts, describing them as critical partners in safeguarding lives and property.
“The theme becomes very apt, as one of our main focus this year is to actively engage our youths,” he said.
He encouraged advocacy and sensitisation before, during and after emergencies.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, also commended the NYCN.
He said government support for youth initiatives aligned with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda.
According to him, youth inclusiveness remains central to governance and development in Lagos.
Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Mr Moyosore Adebanjo, applauded the group for prioritising safety and emergency response.
In his welcome address, Adigun called for structured youth involvement in community safety.
“Town-hall engagements such as this are sacrosanct,” he said, noting their value in addressing societal challenges.
The NYCN chairman described Lagos’ youthful population as a strategic advantage if properly harnessed.
“We are the first to witness incidents… often the first responders even before formal agencies arrive.
“When structured, trained and coordinated, this youth presence becomes a powerful buffer,” he said.
Highlighting technology, he said Lagos youths were “digitally aware, tech-savvy, and highly adaptive”.
Announcing LYSEC, he said recent accidents underscored the urgency of reforming safety systems.
“We cannot afford to continue business as usual. The cost of delay is measured in human lives,” he said.
He described LYSEC as “a watchdog, an early-warning mechanism, and a first-line community response network”.
Adigun thanked partners and urged collective action to build a safer Lagos.
He said champions were drawn from 57 branches and youth organisations across all 57 councils in Lagos.
NAN also reports that officials of the FRSC, NSCDC and LASTMA delivered goodwill messages at the event.
The LYSEC framework was formally presented, outlining operational strategies and collaboration mechanisms for community safety. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
