The Amalgamation of Lagos Island East Youths has endorsed Lanre Afinni for Lagos Island Constituency I ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary, citing his contributions to youth empowerment, grassroots development and community welfare across the constituency.
The endorsement was announced in a statement issued on Thursday after what the group described as extensive consultations with youth groups, student bodies, community stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers within Lagos Island East LCDA.
The group stated that Afinni stood out among aspirants due to his leadership qualities, accessibility and record of service to the people.
According to the statement signed by Abdulrasaq Mohammed, Afinni had consistently demonstrated commitment to youth inclusion and community development through various empowerment initiatives.
The youths listed several projects allegedly facilitated by Afinni, including the distribution of over 3,000 JAMB forms and tutorial classes for students, scholarships for top-performing candidates, annual medical outreaches, donation of transformers to communities and sponsorship of employability and technology training programmes.
They also credited him with facilitating employment opportunities for more than 70 constituents, supporting artisans and small business owners, and organising annual football competitions aimed at discovering young talents.
The group further stated that Afinni established “moral value rooms” in 13 public primary schools equipped with audiovisual learning materials to educate pupils on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
“As young people who understand the realities and aspirations of Lagos Island East, we believe leadership must go beyond slogans and political sentiments,” the statement read.
“It must be based on proven impact, genuine connection with the people, and the capacity to deliver meaningful representation.”
The group urged members of the APC, residents and other stakeholders to support Afinni, describing the endorsement as one based on competence, credibility and verifiable community impact.
The youths also appealed to residents to maintain peace before, during and after the party primaries, urging young people to shun violence and embrace political tolerance.
Reacting to the endorsement, Afinni expressed appreciation to the youth groups and supporters, describing the gesture as a call to greater service.
“This is a call to service, and I want to assure you that you won’t regret this show of support. In one or two years from now, we will gather again, but it won’t be me thanking you; it will be you thanking me,” he said.
Those present at the event included Abdulrasaq Mohammed, representative of Lagos Island Constituency II at the Lagos State Youth Parliament; Comrade Agboola, coordinator of the National Youth Council, Lagos Island East LCDA; Musa Bebeji, Arewa Youth Leader; Oyinkansola Anjorin Adikat, president of the Lagos Island Students Association; Hameeed Toheeb, president of the National Union of Lagos State Students; and Comrade Adeyemi Yusuf, Vice Chairman Central of Lagos Community Development Initiatives, alongside other youth stakeholders across the constituency.
