Abesan Residents Seek Sanwo-Olu’s Intervention Over Youth Centre Closure

Residents of Abesan Estate in Mosan-Okunola LCDA, Lagos State, have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the continued closure of the Youth Centre located within the estate.

The centre was shut by the supervising Ministry of Youth and Social Development in June 2026 for proposed renovation works. However, residents say the renovation is yet to commence, with the contractor reportedly yet to move to site.

The closure has denied thousands of teenagers and youths in the community access to the facility, particularly during the ongoing summer holiday when many young people would ordinarily engage in sports, skills development and other productive activities.

The Abesan Estate Residents Association (AERA), the umbrella body representing residents of the community, had written to the ministry expressing concern over the adverse effects of keeping the facility closed at a time when children are on holiday. According to the residents, the association is yet to receive an official response.

Similarly, a youth advocate in the community, Tayo Adeyemo, whose organisation organised a sporting competition for teenagers during the summer holiday, appealed for permission to use the facility but was denied access.

In a response signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by the Director of Youth Development in the ministry, Saka A. L., the ministry stated that the centre was currently undergoing renovation and that it would be appropriate for the facility to be opened for use while the renovation work continued.

However, a visit to the centre by our correspondent revealed that no visible renovation work was taking place, while the entrance gate remained firmly locked.

A resident, Phillip Obafemi, said the situation had caused serious disappointment among youths and teenagers…