Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) have called on Nigerian youths to embrace innovation, acquire relevant skills and uphold integrity as they prepare to take on greater responsibilities in the country’s economy and public life.
The call was made as both the Lagos State Government and the professional banking body emphasised the importance of equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge, creativity and ethical values required to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for youths to look beyond traditional career paths and take advantage of emerging opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, finance and other areas of the economy. He noted that innovation has become increasingly important as businesses and institutions adapt to changing economic conditions and technological developments.
According to the governor, young people have an important role to play in shaping the future of Lagos and Nigeria. He encouraged them to develop practical skills that can make them competitive in both the local and global economy, while also using their talents to create solutions to challenges facing society.
He further highlighted the importance of continuous learning, noting that academic qualifications alone may not be enough in an increasingly competitive labour market. Young Nigerians, he said, should seek opportunities to develop digital, technical, entrepreneurial and professional skills that can improve their employability and ability to create businesses.
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria also emphasised integrity as an essential quality for young people entering the financial and professional sectors. The institute urged youths to understand that long-term success should not be pursued at the expense of honesty, accountability and responsible conduct.
The call for integrity is particularly significant in the financial sector, where trust remains a major foundation of banking and other professional services. CIBN stressed that young professionals must build their careers on strong ethical principles and demonstrate responsibility in their dealings with individuals, businesses and institutions.
The speakers also encouraged young Nigerians to become problem-solvers rather than waiting solely for employment opportunities. By developing innovative ideas and turning them into practical solutions, youths can contribute to economic growth while creating opportunities for themselves and others.
The emphasis on innovation, skills and integrity comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face challenges relating to unemployment, economic pressure and the changing demands of the global labour market. Stakeholders believe that preparing young people with relevant skills and strong ethical values will be critical to building a more productive workforce.
Sanwo-Olu and CIBN therefore urged youths to take personal development seriously, remain open to learning and use technology responsibly. They also encouraged young people to see the challenges facing the country as opportunities to develop creative solutions.
The message from the governor and the banking institute was clear: the future of Nigeria will depend significantly on the capacity, creativity and character of its young population. By combining innovation with relevant skills and integrity, Nigerian youths can position themselves to contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos and the nation as a whole.
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