In a significant step toward youth rehabilitation and community transformation, no fewer than 18 participants of the Mushin Community Diversion Rehabilitation Programme graduated on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, after successfully completing a six-month vocational and behavioural training programme aimed at redirecting vulnerable youths toward productive living.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Mushin Local Government Secretariat, attracted parents and guardians of the graduands, government officials and members of the Community Diversion Programme Steering Committee, all gathered to celebrate what many described as a life-changing milestone for the participants.

The Community Diversion Programme, jointly managed by the Lagos State Government and Mushin Local Government, is designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate young persons exposed to anti-social behaviours, while equipping them with vocational and life skills for sustainable livelihoods.

Present at the ceremony were delegates from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development led by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, the Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Olatunbosun Haruna Aruwe with his cabinet members and council management, as well as members of the Mushin Community Diversion Rehabilitation Programme Steering Committee headed by Magistrate Adejumoke Olagbegi-Adelabu, Chief Magistrate, Admin Court 1 Mushin as Chairman of the Lagos State Steering Committee for the Community Diversion Programme.

The 18 graduands completed their training at the rehabilitation centre formerly located at the Council Area Office, Itire, now relocated to Zone D, where they received both vocational and behavioural support geared toward helping them build meaningful futures.

During the six-month programme, participants were trained in various vocational skills including bead making, hairdressing, shoe making, catering and tailoring. To support their transition into self-reliance, the graduates were also presented with start-up kits such as hair dryers, sewing machines, shoe making machine jointly provided by the Lagos State Government and Mushin Local Government to enable them begin a new phase of economic independence.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, described the initiative as a practical approach to youth rehabilitation and crime prevention through empowerment and social inclusion.

According to him, the Community Diversion Programme demonstrates the state government’s commitment to restoring hope among young people who may have made wrong choices in the past.

“This programme is proof that transformation is possible when government creates opportunities for rehabilitation rather than condemnation. We are committed to giving young people a second chance to become responsible citizens and contributors to society,” Ogunlende said.

Also speaking with Mushines News, the Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Olatunbosun Haruna Aruwe, said the programme has continued to change the narrative of Mushin by redirecting vulnerable youths from negative influences toward responsible and productive living.

Aruwe noted that his administration remains committed to investing in programmes that strengthen community peace, youth development and social rehabilitation.

“We are changing the narrative in Mushin through purposeful interventions like this. These young people are proof that no life is beyond redemption when given the right support, mentorship and opportunity. Our goal is to build a safer, more responsible and progressive Mushin,” he said.

In her remarks, Magistrate Adejumoke Olagbegi-Adelabu, Chief Magistrate, Admin Court 1 Mushin and Chairman of the Lagos State Steering Committee for the Community Diversion Programme, commended the graduands for their resilience and willingness to embrace positive change.

She urged them to remain focused and avoid returning to habits capable of derailing their progress

“You have been given another opportunity to rewrite your stories. What matters now is consistency, discipline and determination to remain good ambassadors of this programme and role models to others in your communities,” she said.

Several participants, visibly emotional during the event, expressed appreciation to both the state and local governments for giving them an opportunity to rebuild their lives and change public perceptions about them.

The graduates promised to remain responsible children at home, law-abiding members of their communities and, positive examples to other young people, and they displayed some of their crafts like chichi, leather slippers and shoes and traditional long Ankara gown. 

One of the participants, who specialised in shoe making and has since become a successful shoemaker within the community while also training newer participants at the rehabilitation centre, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to his transformation.

He described the programme as the turning point of his life and appealed to government for personal support in the area of materials and equipment to expand his work and mentor more young people. 

“I appreciate everyone who supported me throughout this journey. This programme changed my life. I only appeal for more assistance with materials and gadgets that can help improve my work and make me better in shoe making,” he said.

Parents and guardians present at the ceremony also expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and Mushin Local Government for providing their children with another chance at life, describing the programme as impactful and worthy of expansion.

Observers at the event noted that the Mushin Community Diversion Programme has continued to serve as a model for community-based rehabilitation, proving that structured mentorship, vocational training and family support can help reshape lives and improve public safety.

With the graduation of another set of participants, stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative would continue to strengthen youth rehabilitation efforts and further transform the social narrative of Mushin.