By Michael Omotosho |
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, digital inclusion and economic opportunities, saying young Nigerians must be equipped with the skills and support needed to drive the country’s development.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance while addressing young Nigerians at the fourth edition of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Generation Next Forum held on Wednesday at the Queens Park Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The forum was themed, “Building Tomorrow Today: Youth as Catalysts of a Digital, Inclusive and Sustainable Economy.”
Sanwo-Olu Urges Youth to Build the Future
Represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, the governor said the rapid growth of technology, fintech, artificial intelligence and digital businesses had placed young people at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He, however, stressed that technological advancement must be matched with integrity, creativity, discipline and a commitment to solving real-world problems.
“Do not wait for someone to hand you the future. Start building it,” Sanwo-Olu told the young participants.
He urged young Nigerians to take initiative, learn from setbacks and measure success by the value they create and the lives they improve.
Lagos Highlights Youth Investment
The governor also highlighted some of the interventions introduced under the state’s THEMES+ Development Agenda, particularly in youth development, technology, economic empowerment and human capital development.
According to him, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) has disbursed more than ₦15 billion in affordable loans to over 20,000 micro, small and medium enterprises over the past decade.
The intervention, he said, has supported the creation of more than 320,000 jobs across the state.
Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the Lagos Innovates programme had provided more than 750 workspace vouchers, supported over 240 startups and trained about 1,000 young people in software development, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
He added that the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council recently awarded ₦75 million in grants for research, innovation and STEM education.
Governor Calls for Inclusive Digital Opportunities
Sanwo-Olu called on banks and business leaders to view young people as partners in economic development rather than merely job seekers, urging them to create opportunities for experimentation, mentorship and innovation.
He also stressed the need for digital opportunities to reach young people across the state, regardless of location.
According to him, young people in Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu should have the same access to digital opportunities as those in Ikeja and Victoria Island.
The governor commended CIBN for sustaining the Generation Next platform, describing it as an important avenue for ensuring that young Nigerians have a voice in conversations about the future of banking and the wider economy.
He expressed confidence that with the right opportunities and support, young Nigerians can move beyond inheriting the future to actively building a better one.
The forum brought together stakeholders from the banking and youth development sectors, including CIBN President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Dele Alabi, FCIB; Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Sarah; Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Dr. Isiaka Ajani-Lawal; past CIBN presidents and young Nigerians.
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