Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, the Chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, expressed the imperative need for youth inclusion in governance at the Young Elected Local Officials Network Summit. He highlighted that young people play a crucial role in the nation's development, advocating for immediate and purposeful policies to engage them in political processes. According to Obasa, the focus on youth is not merely beneficial but essential for fostering a democratic and responsive governance system.

The summit served as a platform for emerging political leaders from nearly 40 African countries to discuss and promote youth engagement in local governance. The participation of Nigerian officials underscores the nation's commitment to integrating youth perspectives in the political arena, thereby contributing to the establishment of more inclusive and effective local leadership structures. Obasa's remarks underline the acknowledgment that the future of governance greatly depends on the empowerment and involvement of younger generations.

Furthermore, Obasa called for specific strategies to be developed to support the youth while stressing the importance of leadership that prioritizes the aspirations of young citizens. He argued that without active engagement and representation of youth in political spaces, the growth and development of communities may be hindered. This discourse emphasizes the broader trend across Africa, where young leaders are advocating for more significant roles in governance, ensuring their voices are heard in the decision-making processes that affect their futures.