The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering rehabilitated young adults and creating opportunities for their successful reintegration into society.
The government also called on families, communities and stakeholders to embrace rehabilitees with acceptance, compassion and support as they transition to independent and productive lives.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, made this known at a one-day sensitisation meeting for about-to-be-released and released young adults and rehabilitees of Lagos State institutional care centres at the Ikeja Youth Centre.
The programme, organised by the Human Integration Unit of the Ministry, was themed “Successful Reintegration into Society: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Ogunlende said the initiative reflects the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to building a compassionate and inclusive society where every young person has the opportunity to realise their potential, regardless of their past experiences.
He explained that successful reintegration goes beyond leaving an institutional care centre, describing it as a deliberate process of rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, strengthening family relationships and equipping individuals to become responsible, productive and self-reliant members of society.
The Commissioner identified stigma, discrimination, unemployment, limited educational opportunities, emotional challenges, broken family relationships and inadequate support systems as some of the obstacles rehabilitees may face.
He, however, urged participants not to allow their past experiences to define their future, stressing that education, vocational and digital skills, entrepreneurship, mentorship and continuous personal development can create pathways to transformation.
Ogunlende assured that the Ministry would continue to strengthen rehabilitation programmes, psychosocial support, vocational and entrepreneurial training, youth empowerment initiatives and aftercare services to support successful community reintegration.
Addressing the young adults directly, he encouraged them to believe in themselves, remain disciplined, embrace learning, develop valuable skills and maintain positive relationships.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharm. Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, represented by the Director of Social Welfare, Mrs. Olubukayo Odukoya, said the programme demonstrated the government’s commitment to social inclusion, rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration.
She urged participants to take advantage of the knowledge and guidance provided during the programme and make positive life choices as they prepare for independent living.
The programme also featured a presentation by Ambassador Joseph Adewole, who described reintegration as a deliberate process of rebuilding lives rather than simply returning to society.
Adewole encouraged participants to leave negative experiences behind, embrace positive values and take advantage of available opportunities to build a better future.
He also stressed the importance of families and communities in providing acceptance, encouragement and support, noting that collective responsibility is essential for sustainable reintegration and lasting social inclusion.
The sensitisation meeting featured interactive sessions on practical life skills, mentorship, counselling and other areas designed to prepare rehabilitees for a successful transition into society.
