Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on young Nigerians to take active ownership of their destinies and leverage emerging technologies to drive the nation’s economic transformation, declaring that the future belongs to those ready to solve real-world problems.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the youth forum themed “Building Tomorrow Today: Youths as Catalysts of a Digital, Inclusive, and Sustainable Economy,” organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) recently in Lagos.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi, the Governor emphasised that youth are no longer just the leaders of tomorrow, but key drivers of today’s economic reality.
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“Do not wait for someone to hand you your future,” Sanwo-Olu warned. “It puts young Nigerians at the center of the conversation regarding our country’s economic future. The future we are talking about is already here—it is seen in the young entrepreneurs making payments easier and remote professionals working for global firms. While technology is vital, a genuine desire to solve problems is what truly makes the difference.”
To underscore the state’s commitment, the Governor highlighted that through initiatives like Lagos Innovate, the government has provided 750 work-based vouchers to empower young innovators. “We want Lagos to remain a hub where a young person can nurture an idea and turn it into a viable business,” he added, reminding the youth that “character will take you further than talent alone.”
Also addressing the gathering, the Managing Director, Lotus Bank, Dr. Isiaka Ajani-Lawal, shared insights from his 29-year banking career spanning three institutions across two countries. He outlined a four-pillar formula for unstoppable success, tagged HELD: Habit, Execution, Learning, and Discipline.
“Reputation is built by repetition, not a one-time performance,” Ajani-Lawal stated. “Execution bridges the gap between discussion and delivery. Being a graduate alone means nothing to employers if you lack practical skills. Learning must be continuous—what I learned in 1994 when I started is now obsolete. Above all, self-discipline and integrity mean doing the right thing without being policed.”
Earlier in the event, Mr. Femi Ekundayo urged young participants, particularly media practitioners and communicators, to continuously upgrade their knowledge base.
He noted that knowledge only appreciates over time and charged them to uphold clarity, accuracy, and professional excellence in their reporting to inspire societal progress.