Governor Sanwo-Olu encourages Nigerian youth to adopt positive values

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has urged young people to embrace strong values in order to create a society rooted in justice and fairness, where everyone can thrive regardless of their background.

He made this appeal during the presentation of grants to the winners at this year’s Amplifier Business Clinic, part of the Y2025 International Youth Day Summit organized by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development at the Blue Roof in Ikeja on Friday.

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Sanwo-Olu emphasized that if the youth are to take on leadership roles, they must value time, uphold integrity, maintain a positive mindset, avoid procrastination, and fully utilize the opportunities and resources provided by the state government to succeed in their endeavors.

The Governor assured young people that the state government will continue to focus on the challenges they face, recognizing them as valuable assets, and encouraged them to view themselves as partners in progress.

In his introductory remarks, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, mentioned that the state relies on youth for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He described the youth as the lifeblood and strength of the nation and noted that this year’s International Youth Day theme is impactful. “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond” points to the fact that all hands must be on deck from the grassroots if the state would be able to meet the 2030 set for the actualisation of the SDGs.

The keynote speaker at the event, Mr. Fela Durotoye, President of the Gemstone Leadership Initiative, emphasized the importance of valuing time and embracing responsibility in his presentation titled “From Local Impact to Global Influence: Harnessing Youth Power Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”

He portrayed young people as the most dynamic and unstoppable force that the state government should harness for growth and development.

In discussing the qualities of effective leadership, Durotoye stated, “To be a good leader, one must have self-belief, take on responsibility, dedicate oneself to actions that address societal challenges, possess a clear vision, be innovative, and utilize technology. Making an impactful contribution can start with small positive actions within one’s community, leading to a broader influence worldwide, similar to the legacies of Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela, who all made significant contributions in their respective contexts that resonated globally.”