Lagos Tourism Ministry Hosts Youth Ambassadors, Urges Cultural Pride and Drug-Free Advocacy

Lagos Tourism Ministry Hosts Youth Ambassadors, Urges Cultural Pride and Drug-Free Advocacy

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has reiterated its commitment to youth development and cultural preservation as it hosted Youth Ambassadors from the state’s five administrative divisions on Thursday.

The Ambassadors, who represent the divisions of Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe (I.B.I.L.E), were received at the Ministry’s headquarters by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner.

In his address, Mr. Bajulaiye highlighted the Ministry’s pivotal role in promoting cultural awareness and shaping the future of Lagos youth through tourism and the creative industry. He applauded the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development for coordinating the initiative and emphasised the alignment between both ministries’ youth-focused mandates.

He called on the Youth Ambassadors to embrace their heritage and become advocates of positive change, particularly in tackling social vices such as drug abuse, moral decline, and the loss of traditional values.

“If your source is Lagos, you must not forget your source,” Bajulaiye told the Ambassadors, encouraging them to remain focused, inquisitive, and committed to their roles as cultural and civic influencers.

Speaking on the Ministry’s work in the creative and cultural sectors, the Permanent Secretary noted the vast opportunities that Lagos’ tourism and arts landscape offers young people, from economic empowerment to global recognition. He urged the Ambassadors to use their platforms to educate and inspire their peers at the grassroots.

As part of the ceremony, Mr. Bajulaiye presented the iconic Eyo Statue to the visiting delegation as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Lagos. Branded souvenirs were also distributed to commemorate the visit and strengthen ties between the youth and the Ministry.

Leading the delegation, State Youth Ambassador Mr. Obadare Adenekan explained that the visit aimed to deepen collaboration between government institutions and youth-led initiatives across the state. He shared insights into the selection process that brought the ambassadors together through the I.B.I.L.E. Academy, noting that over 3,000 applicants were trimmed to 500 trainees, from which 50 divisional ambassadors and ultimately one state representative emerged.

Adenekan outlined the Youth Ambassadors’ focus areas, which include education, civil rights, environmental advocacy, health, and economic empowerment. He expressed the group’s readiness to partner with the Ministry on meaningful, youth-driven projects to advance these goals.

The event served as a platform to reaffirm the role of youth as vital stakeholders in promoting culture, combating social issues, and driving sustainable development across Lagos State.