By Esther Onyegbula

A coalition of youths under the aegis of Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat Youth Ambassadors (KOHYA) on Saturday formally unveiled its ward-level structure across Lagos State, declaring support for the emergence of Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, as governor in 2027.

The group, which announced its presence in all the 377 wards of the state, said its endorsement of Hamzat, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was anchored on his track record in governance and youth-focused initiatives.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the Sam Shonibare Youth Centre in Lagos, drew youth leaders, student representatives and political stakeholders from across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of KOHYA, Mr. Ibrahim Adigun, described the movement as a structured, grassroots-driven platform aimed at mobilising young people for active participation in governance.

According to him, the initiative signals a shift from passive political engagement to organised involvement by youths in shaping leadership outcomes.
“We are officially unveiling KOHYA as a structured, grassroots movement of politically engaged youths committed to shaping the future of governance in Lagos State,” Adigun said.

“This marks a transition from passive observation to active participation. Lagos youths are now organised, informed, and ready to play a decisive role in political processes.”
He explained that the group operates as a civic and advocacy platform rather than a political party, with emphasis on accountability, evidence-based engagement and strategic mobilisation.

“With an extensive structure covering all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, including ward coordinators and media teams, KOHYA presents itself as a well-coordinated statewide force aimed at influencing leadership choices through organised action,” he added.

Adigun disclosed that a major highlight of the group’s mandate is the endorsement of Hamzat for the 2027 governorship race.
“Our endorsement of Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat is based on verifiable achievements in digital transformation, infrastructure development, national service and demonstrated political maturity,” he said.

“This decision is grounded in facts, not emotions or political pressure.”
The group also threw its weight behind the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu, citing policies on youth inclusion, digital economy growth and student loan initiatives as key drivers of national development.
While acknowledging prevailing economic challenges, Adigun expressed confidence that continuity in current policies would yield long-term benefits.

He outlined KOHYA’s strategic action plans to include leadership mobilisation, grassroots engagement, digital advocacy and community outreach across the state.
“We call on Lagos youths to see themselves as active stakeholders in governance. This movement exists to transform youth participation into real political influence and to drive the vision of a ‘Greater Lagos’ ahead of 2027,” he said.

Earlier, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Quadri Odewunmi, commended Hamzat’s contributions to the state, particularly in the areas of technology and youth development.
Responding on behalf of the deputy governor, Mr. Femi Micheal, an APC leader from Apapa Local Government, expressed appreciation to the youths for their support.
“The youths have done something remarkable today, and it will not be forgotten. They represent the largest segment of the population and must be considered in decision-making processes,” he said.

He described Hamzat as a development-driven leader committed to the growth of Lagos State.
“Hamzat is a very passionate person who thinks about the development of Lagos, not about himself alone,” Micheal added.

Also speaking, one of the selected youth ambassadors, Ms. Itunuoluwa Soniregun, stressed the need for greater inclusion of young people in governance.

“We are the generation that will inherit every decision made, so we need to be carried along,” she said.
The event marks a significant step in youth political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with KOHYA positioning itself as a key platform for coordinated youth advocacy in Lagos State.