8th February, 2016
Kazeem Ugbodaga
Lack of opportunities and education have been identified as the root cause of hooliganism and cultism among youths on Lagos Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
This was the submission of a chairmanship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Lagos Island, Mr. John Omotola Soares.
He noted that most urchins on the Island were victims of the environment.
Soares, who said this at the weekend during a visit to Asiwaju Forum’s office in Ikeja, reiterated that most of the hooligans would appreciate more meaningful lives if given opportunity to discover and redeploy their talents.
According to the chairmanship aspirant, if given opportunity to serve as the chairman of Ikoyi-Obalande Local Council Development Area, he would create opportunities for the youths in the LCDA by supporting them to acquire the right developmental education and attitude.
He said from his interactions with youths and the so called hooligans, he has found out that “most of them are not even happy the way they are. They just want to survive,” saying one of his plans for them is accessible education.
“I believe everyone deserve at least basic education. It will shock you that many of those you call hooligans are even willing to go to school. What we would do is to encourage them, try to know their area of interest and help them go through the necessary process that can transform their lives.
“If you want to go to college, we would help you through sponsorship. We would set up vocational schools for those who like to develop their skills in a particular vocation. We would create opportunity for them;” Suares said.
Asiwaju Forum’s Coordinator, Seyi Bamigbade assured Soares of the group’s support during and after the Lagos State council elections, expressing confidence that APC will sweep all the elective posts in all council areas in the state by the time the elections are conducted.