International Youth Day 2023: Hon. Kasunmu Commends President Tinubu On Youth Inclusion 

(Being the text of Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu’s (ARK) Message to wrap up the 2023 International Youth Day Celebration)

As we draw the curtains on this year’s celebration of International Youth Day, let me start this piece with the thoughts of American writer and inspirational speaker, Simon Sinek who said _“What good is an idea if it remains an idea? Try. Experiment. Fail. Try again. Change the world”_

On this note I want to congratulate all young people across Nigeria and the world on this year’s International Youth Day Celebration.
The past one year has been filled with moments of experimenting and trying new ideas, especially on the political scene. But we are appreciative of the outcomes so far.

I am therefore congratulating us on three major notes: (1): For surviving against all odds; (2) For making impressive and indelible statements and (3) For retaining the capacity to change the future and our world for good.

From the last IYD to this moment, it has been a year of noteworthy progress for the youth in our nation. Not necessarily in terms of financial and material gains but, it was a year that youth spoke loudly and our voices were heard clearly in high and low places.

It was a year the youth asserted its authority and demonstrated the potency of its collective willpower.
It was a year we sent a strong message across, that “taking us for granted would no longer be a tolerated”.
It was a year the youth shook the nation politically and altered many permutations and equations.
It may not have been an Uhuru yet, but undeniable impacts have certainly been made on many fronts and this we shall build upon.

In Politics, Governance, Entertainment, Business, Tech, Innovations, Sports, Economy, humanitarian and many other fields, the Nigerian youth recorded significant achievements that are truly worthy of celebrations.

As we celebrate the year’s International Youth Day under the theme: *Green Skills for Youth, Towards A Sustainable World*, it is imperative for all to begin to take actions on domesticating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to energy conservation, environmental sustainability, green jobs and other essential themes capable of solving the climate crisis currently facing our earth.
Never has there been a time that our world’s green system is endangered as it is right now.
Focusing on the Net Zero and the Greens is therefore a critical strategy in preserving our ecosystems for the benefits of our planet and its inhabitants.

It is important to understand that acquisition and implementation of Green Skills lie majorly in the hands of the Youth.
This implies that Government, private organisations and all stakeholders must begin to embark on intentional policies of youth inclusion and engagement in our processes.
The federal government under leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken bold steps in including the youth in the nation’s decision making process and we must commend that.
Specifically, we must commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on the commitment of his administration to Youth Inclusion.
In the last two months, the President has proven beyond doubts that he values and cherishes the youth of our nation.
This was clearly reflected in the composition of his Ministerial nominees, which was populated to a large extent by brilliant young Nigerians and also in the recent composition of his Tax Policy Committee which has a University Student, Orire Agbaje as a Member. These are important milestones for Nigerian Youths and we appreciate the President for his vision.

In rounding up this piece, I want to particularly commend a number of emerging young leaders who are currently representing the youth constituency both in government, politics and private sectors.
In no particular order, I commend my own brother and a shining light, *Oluwaseyi Tinubu,* the son of the President who demonstrated exemplary political coordination and leadership skills before, during and after the last General Elections;
I also want to mention Hon. Princess Lasbat Meranda (Deputy Speaker, LSHA); Hon. Ajani Owolabi; Hon. Temitope Adewale (JAH); Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; Hon. Ladi Ajomale; Hon. Princess Lara Olumegbon-Oyekan; Hon. Sola Giwa, Dr. Betta Edu; Hon. Segun Odunmbaku; Tunbosun Alake; Adetoun Nelson-Popoola; Idris Aregbe; Olusegun Dada; Dayo Israel; Dr. Muritala Seriki; Engr. Abiodun Taiwo; Hon. Ayotunde Adenuga; Hon. Opeyemi Apatira; Engr Adefemi Kamal; Dr. Adeniyi Ojikutu and a host of other vibrant youths who demonstrated exceptional skills in recent times.
Not also forgetting the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu who transmitted a youth dominated list of Commissioners-designate to the House of Assembly for consideration last week. Lagos is certainly leading in Youth Inclusion, we are sure the Governor will still do more.

Outside politics and governance, we must also commend the youths who are ably representing us in various fields. Kudos to the likes of Victor Osimeh, Asisat Osoala and other valiant sportsmen and women flying the youth flag across the globe.
Special shout out also to the Iyin Aboyejis of the tech and innovations world. They are doing us proud.
Adepeju Olukokun of Kokun Foundation Food Bank; Princess Morenike Esther Kasunmu of Nuelle Auticism Foundation; Hajia Hameedat Balogun of Hammeedah Poverty Eradication Foundation and so many other young people doing great things for humanity. There are many of you out there who deserve mentioning, I commend you all. Keep it rolling.

As we wrap up the commemoration of the year 2023 International Youth Day, we shall continue to clamour for more and deliberate Youth Inclusion and engagement in our governance and public spaces, by so doing, acquisition and activation of green skills for a sustainable world will be guaranteed.
Happy International Youth Day to you all.!

✍️ From The Desk of The Deputy Majority Leader,
Lagos State House of Assembly,
*HON. ADEDAMOLA RICHARD KASUNMU (ARK)*
12/08/2023