Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende - Empowering The Future

Appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in September 2023, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende serves as the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State. Known affectionately by his moniker "RAK" (Real Act of Kindness), Ogunlende brings a blend of international expertise and grassroots humanitarian experience to one of the most critical portfolios in the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

Mr. Ogunlende oversees a ministry tasked with the dual responsibility of harnessing the potential of the youth and protecting the state's most vulnerable citizens. His portfolio is built on three main pillars:

• ​Youth Empowerment: Transitioning young Lagosians from "hustle to enterprise" by fostering a mindset of strategy and discipline.

• ​Social Protection: Overseeing social welfare, rehabilitation services, and the protection of the elderly and underprivileged.

• ​Inclusion: Ensuring that people with disabilities (PWDs) and marginalized groups are integrated into the state's economic and social fabric.

​Under his leadership, the Ministry has prioritized high-impact programs designed to make Lagos youth globally competitive. Notable initiatives include:

1. ​Ibile Youth Academy: A flagship leadership training program that instills values of citizenship and volunteerism in thousands of young applicants across the five divisions of Lagos (Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe).

2. ​Digital Skills Expansion: Active promotion of digital literacy, Web3 technology, and creative economy training to ensure youth are creators—not just consumers—of technology.

3. ​Social Infrastructure: Managing significant capital projects, such as the construction of the NYSC Permanent Site in Ikorodu and the procurement of assistive equipment like hearing aids and wheelchairs for PWDs.

​Before his transition into full-time public service, Mr. Ogunlende spent over a decade in the Oil and Gas sector. This corporate background informs his data-driven and professional approach to governance. He is the founder of the RAK Development Foundation, which has championed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2017, focusing on health, education, and women’s empowerment.

Ogunlende’s vision for 2025 and beyond centers on sustainability. He has consistently advocated for young innovators to register their businesses and seek mentorship rather than shortcuts. By partnering with financial institutions and the private sector, his office provides the grants and micro-credits necessary to transform informal youth ventures into scalable, tax-paying enterprises.

​Through his commitment to "connecting the disconnected," Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the 70% of Lagosians under the age of 35 remain the driving force behind the city's $136 billion economy.