Sanwo-Olu advise youths to leverage technology, talent for self-reliance

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has advised youths to leverage technology and talent for self-sustainability.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Sam Egube, gave the advice at a National Youth Symposium in Lagos.

The event held in honour of his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat’s 60th birthday celebration was themed,  “Nigeria: Guiding the Youth on the Path of Self-Reliance.”

According to him, the youths should stay around motivational people and discover their path to self-sustainability.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised optimism, seizing opportunities, and collective responsibility for national progress.

“Youths should be the best version of themselves, utilising their gifts to benefit society and bring themselves to the limelight.

“We must be prepared for the opportunities that we see.

“The idea that opportunity exists is true and that we, as a people and youth of the nation, should be the best that we can be, and the gift that we have developed will bring us certainly before kings.

“We must be each other’s keeper and responsible partners. This is what it means to be part of a nation. This is what it means to be part of a state, community and family,” he said.

In his address, Hamzat urged Nigerian youths to seize available opportunities, seek mentorship, and invest in skill development for self-reliance.

Hamzat encouraged them to embrace education that combined theories with practical skills.

“Getting the right education matters in today’s job market. It is no longer what you know but what you can do,” he said.

Hamzat said the exhibition of natural talents, display of knowledge and skills that could positively impact were in demand globally. 

He highlighted Lagos State’s youth-focused initiatives and encouraged collaboration between government, private sector, and youths to nurture talent and innovation.

Similarly, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, said that self-reliant youths would fuel economic growth, reduce poverty, and contribute to a stable and prosperous society.

According to him, it is imperative to guide the youths towards self-reliance, thereby creating solutions which is a critical pathway to national development.

“Our responsibility is to lay the foundation for strategic thinking, quality reforms and cultural shifts that empower the youths to take charge of their destiny.

“You must learn to depend not just on the system around you but on your resourcefulness and resilience.

“Nigeria has a great population, and all the government needs to do is empower the youths with skills that are required in today’s world,” he said.