Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria have challenged Nigerian youths to take a leading role in building a digital, inclusive and sustainable economy.
The call was made at the CIBN Generation Next Forum 4.0 in Lagos, where financial-sector leaders and government officials discussed how young Nigerians can become stronger contributors to national development.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that technological advancement must be accompanied by integrity, creativity, discipline and practical solutions to real economic challenges.
The governor, represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Finance Abayomi Oluyomi, encouraged young Nigerians not to wait for opportunities but to develop the skills and ideas needed to create their own.
He also urged banks and businesses to provide young entrepreneurs with greater access to finance, mentorship and digital opportunities.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted several Lagos initiatives supporting young people, including the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, which he said has provided more than ₦15 billion in loans to over 20,000 businesses over the past decade.
He added that Lagos Innovates had supported startups and trained young people in areas including software development, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
The governor warned that digital transformation should not deepen inequality, stressing the need to extend opportunities to young people across different parts of Lagos State.
CIBN President and Chairman of Council, Dr Dele Alabi, similarly described Nigeria's large youth population as an economic asset that has not yet been fully utilised.
Alabi said young people make up more than 60 per cent of Nigeria's population and should be deliberately equipped and integrated into the country's economic growth strategy.
He pointed to the success of Nigerian technology startups as evidence that young Nigerians have the capacity to build globally competitive businesses.
The CIBN president noted that several African technology unicorns have Nigerian connections, with young founders playing prominent roles in the country's technology ecosystem.
Other speakers at the forum emphasised the importance of practical skills, continuous learning and the ability to turn ideas into measurable results.
Lotus Bank Managing Director Isiaka Ajani-Lawal stressed that reputation is built through consistent behaviour, while execution remains critical to converting ideas into tangible value.
The speakers also encouraged young professionals to develop technical capabilities rather than relying solely on academic qualifications.
The forum's theme, “Building Tomorrow Today: Youth as Catalysts of a Digital, Inclusive and Sustainable Economy,” reflected the growing emphasis on youth participation in Nigeria's economic transformation.
The discussions come as technology, artificial intelligence, fintech and digital businesses continue to reshape opportunities available to young Nigerians.
For Nigeria, speakers argued that converting the country's large youth population into an economic advantage will require investment in skills, funding, mentorship and access to technology.
The message from the forum was therefore clear: young Nigerians must not remain passive beneficiaries of economic development but should become active participants in creating it.