LAGOS/Nigeria: The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has initiated moves to collaborate with the Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development in a bid to strengthen communication around youth-focused programmes and expand public awareness of government initiatives.
The proposal was presented by the Managing Editor and Head of NAN Lagos Operations, Ifeyinwa Omowole, during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, in Lagos.
Omowole explained that the engagement reflects NAN’s strategic intent to move beyond routine reportage by building partnerships that promote impactful storytelling and support youth development efforts across the state.
She highlighted NAN’s extensive reach as a national and international news platform, noting its presence across Nigeria and participation in global events, including United Nations summits.
According to her, the proposed collaboration would focus on projecting the ministry’s programmes to a wider audience, while also spotlighting leadership initiatives within the youth sector.
“We are not just offering media visibility but also skills development support for young people, while providing a platform to project the ministry’s work to a wider audience,” she said.
She added that NAN’s distribution platforms, including its PR wire services, would ensure broad dissemination of information across multiple media channels nationwide.
In his response, Ogunlende welcomed the proposal, stressing that effective communication remains critical in connecting government policies with young people.
“We are doing so much, yet many people are not aware. Partnerships like this will help amplify our work and ensure that young people are better informed,” he said.
The commissioner described the proposed collaboration as mutually beneficial, noting that it aligns with the ministry’s efforts to improve engagement and transparency.
He reaffirmed his commitment to an open-door policy, aimed at fostering direct interaction with youths and addressing their concerns promptly.
Ogunlende also requested a formal proposal from NAN to enable further review by the ministry’s management team, indicating that aspects of the partnership could be integrated into existing youth development programmes.
He commended NAN’s role in information dissemination and expressed optimism that the collaboration would enhance the visibility and impact of youth-focused initiatives in Lagos State.
