4,000 Youths, Artisans, Others to Gather in Lagos for Inclusive Governance Summit

Lagos is set to play host to over 1,000 residents, including youths, artisans, policymakers and stakeholders, in a landmark summit aimed at strengthening inclusive and people-driven governance.

President of the Greater Lagos Initiative (GLI) and Convener of the Greater Lagos Summit, Prince Adeniyi Olutimehin, disclosed this during a press briefing at Alausa, Ikeja.

He said the fifth edition of the summit, scheduled for October, is themed “People, Power, and Progress: Building an Inclusive Future Through Patriotism, Egalitarianism, Innovations, and People-Centric Development in Lagos State.”

According to Olutimehin, the event will feature broad participation from ministries, departments and agencies of government; traditional rulers and cultural leaders; civil society groups; youth-led organisations; student unions; social entrepreneurs; market leaders; artisans; the informal sector; academics; creatives; influencers; religious groups; persons with disabilities, and representatives of underserved communities.

“The summit is not just an event—it is a movement, a visionary dialogue and a strategic recalibration of our collective future,” he said.

Olutimehin revealed that this year’s edition will also launch key initiatives such as the Creativity House, a Talent Exhibition, and an Empowerment Programme for Young Entrepreneurs.

He added that awards will be presented to distinguished individuals, organisations, and sponsors for their contributions to the advancement of Lagos State.

“It is a clarion call for renewed patriotism, deepened egalitarian values, and innovation-led governance aligned with the aspirations of our people,” he stated.

He explained that the summit was created to ignite civic consciousness and institutionalise collaborative governance to build a Lagos defined not only by physical development but also by justice, equity, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

Over the past four editions, the summit has served as a platform for transformative ideas, policy dialogue, and civic engagement, Olutimehin said, adding that its success lies in its commitment to placing the people at the centre of development.

“We have established a safe and strategic space where citizens can constructively critique governance lapses and propose realistic, transformative solutions,” he noted.

He concluded that the summit has also helped bridge the gap between policymakers and grassroots realities, fostered patriotic ownership of public assets, and positioned government projects as community heritage.

The 2025 Greater Lagos Summit is expected to reaffirm Lagos State’s commitment to citizen-driven progress and inclusive governance.