Grassroots engagement needed for peace, development – LASG

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The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has called for sustained engagement between government officials, youths, elders, and community stakeholders as a pathway to boosting grassroots governance and fostering peace and development.

Ogunlende made the remarks while speaking at the Cook for Peace Festival 2.0, held in Orile–Iganmu, Lagos, a community-based initiative organised by Associates of Change Africa to promote peaceful coexistence and youth inclusion.

According to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the commissioner said governance must be taken to the grassroots through continuous dialogue with communities and deliberate efforts to address social challenges.

“This is what we need to do as government officials. We must engage with the community, engage with the youth, and engage with our elders, because that is what governance is all about. That is why I am here,” Ogunlende said.

He described the festival as a model initiative capable of strengthening peace across Lagos if replicated widely, stressing that peace remains fundamental to safety, security, and development.

“This programme is worth emulating by other communities. I can only imagine the level of peace we would have across Lagos if this kind of initiative is replicated in all the 57 local governments and LCDAs,” he added.

The commissioner warned that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of conflict, adding that peace is central to societal stability.

“Without peace, there is no safety. Without peace, there is no progress. Without peace, we do not even have a home, because there will be no security,” he said.

He also advised youths against drug abuse, urging them to consider their health and the long-term impact of their choices on their families and loved ones.

The Cook for Peace Festival, which attracted youths, women, and children from the community, featured games, music, dialogue sessions, and health outreach services, including free medical checks, eye screenings, dental cleaning, and the distribution of sanitary pads to young women.

Also speaking at the event, the Divisional Police Officer of Orile–Iganmu Police Division, CSP Taofeek Bello, pledged the continued support of the police for initiatives that promote peace.

The convener of the festival and lead volunteer, Kwame Ahmed, said the initiative was inspired by the need to curb the activities of ‘area boys’ and cult clashes while promoting collective responsibility for peace.

“We are all stakeholders in the Nigeria we crave, and we all have roles to play sincerely and collectively. A country in chaos cannot be developed. Peace is a prerequisite for prosperity,” Ahmed said.

The event was also attended by several dignitaries, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Mobilisation, Alabi Opeyemi; AoC Projects Director, Oluwaseun Olayiwola; the Lagos Waste Management Authority advocacy team; and community leaders from the Coker–Aguda Local Council Development Area.

The PUNCH Senior Correspondent, Grace, has over 17 years experience covering education, arts, business and health sectors. She’s a graduate of Sociology

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