Derin Phillips, a chairmanship aspirant for Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, has pledged to tackle youth unemployment and promote technological advancement if elected.
Phillips, currently serving as the Special Senior Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), made this commitment during an exclusive interview with BusinessDay on Wednesday, 7th May.
Running under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Phillips unveiled plans to establish digital centres focused on artificial intelligence and technology to harness the potential of the youth.
He spoke on the importance of collaborating with relevant state and federal agencies to provide accessible loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foster self-employment opportunities among young people.
Phillips introduced his five-point agenda, branded FAITH, which stands for Financing and innovation; Access to social welfare; Innovation in education and technology; Transparency in governance; and Health and the environment.
He further spoke on his foundation’s efforts over the years, noting that nearly 10,000 individuals have benefited from various outreach programmes across Lagos State, including areas like Ikeja and Asapa London.
Drawing from his diverse experience in banking, entertainment, agriculture, and real estate, Phillips expressed confidence in his ability to bring comprehensive development to the grassroots level.
He believes that impacting the grassroots is crucial for meaningful change, stating that his multifaceted background equips him with the creativity and dynamism needed to drive progress in the LCDA.