The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Nigerians with the skills, opportunities and support needed to contribute meaningfully to economic development.
Eko Hot News reports that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu made the commitment at the fourth edition of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Generation Next Forum in Lagos.
The event, held at Queens Park Event Centre, Victoria Island, had the theme, “Building Tomorrow Today: Youth as Catalysts of a Digital, Inclusive and Sustainable Economy.”
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, said young Nigerians are central to the country’s economic transformation.
He highlighted the growing influence of technology, fintech, artificial intelligence and digital entrepreneurship in creating new opportunities for young people.
The governor, however, stressed that technological advancement must be supported by integrity, creativity, discipline and a commitment to solving real-life challenges.
He urged young Nigerians to take initiative rather than wait for opportunities to come to them.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged youths to learn from setbacks and measure success by the value they create and the positive impact they make in society.
“Do not wait for someone to hand you the future. Start building it,” he said.
The governor highlighted several initiatives implemented under the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ Development Agenda.
He noted that youth development, technology, economic empowerment and human capital development remain important areas of focus for his administration.
According to Sanwo-Olu, 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.
He said the intervention has supported the creation of more than 320,000 jobs across the state.
The governor also highlighted the achievements of Lagos Innovates in supporting the state’s technology and startup ecosystem.
He disclosed that the programme has provided more than 750 workspace vouchers and supported over 240 startups.
About 1,000 young people have also received training in areas including software development, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Sanwo-Olu further disclosed that the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council recently awarded ₦75 million in grants for research, innovation and STEM education.
He described these interventions as part of efforts to prepare young people for emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
The governor also called on banks and business leaders to view young people as partners in economic development.
He urged private sector organisations to provide opportunities for experimentation, mentorship and professional growth.
According to him, young entrepreneurs and innovators require environments where they can develop ideas and turn them into practical solutions.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that digital transformation must be inclusive and should not create wider gaps between communities.
He specifically noted that young people in Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu should have access to digital opportunities comparable to those available to youths in Ikeja and Victoria Island.
The governor said geographical location should not determine a young person’s ability to benefit from technology-driven opportunities.
He advocated broader access to digital skills, infrastructure and economic opportunities across Lagos State.
The Generation Next Forum provided a platform for young Nigerians to discuss their role in shaping the future of the economy.
The event also brought attention to the changing nature of work and the growing importance of digital skills.
Young people are increasingly participating in sectors driven by technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sanwo-Olu urged them to use these opportunities responsibly while remaining focused on creating solutions that address real societal needs.
He also encouraged young people to develop resilience and remain committed to continuous learning.
The governor commended CIBN for sustaining the Generation Next platform.
He described the initiative as an important avenue for engaging young Nigerians on the future of the banking sector and the wider economy.
Sanwo-Olu said the future of banking and Nigeria must include the perspectives and aspirations of the younger generation.
He expressed confidence that young Nigerians can play a leading role in building a more digital, inclusive and sustainable economy.
The governor said the right combination of skills, opportunities and support would enable young people to contribute significantly to national development.
He also emphasised the importance of partnerships between government, financial institutions, businesses and young entrepreneurs.
Such collaboration, he noted, can create stronger pathways for innovation, employment and enterprise development.
The Lagos State Government’s focus on youth development reflects the growing importance of preparing young people for a rapidly changing economy.
Through funding, training, innovation programmes and research support, the state is seeking to expand opportunities available to its young population.
The administration also believes that inclusive digital development can help unlock talent across communities.
The message at the CIBN forum was therefore centred on action, opportunity and responsibility.
Sanwo-Olu urged young Nigerians to take ownership of their future and use their skills to create meaningful solutions.
He said young people should not only prepare to inherit the future but actively participate in building it.
The governor’s remarks reinforced Lagos State’s commitment to supporting youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
With continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, more young Nigerians could gain access to the resources needed to thrive.
The CIBN Generation Next Forum provided another platform for advancing that conversation and highlighting the role of young people in Nigeria’s economic future.
