Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has advised the youth in the state to actively embrace social media and technology as tools for personal development and empowerment.

Sanwo-Olu gave the advice at the hybrid second edition of the Chattered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Generation Next Forum convened in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, the governor emphasised the importance of youth and the government’s commitment to providing them with various opportunities.

He noted that many young people were unaware of these opportunities due to a lack of deliberate effort to use technology positively.

“It’s in your hands. A lot of us have phones and gadgets. Use them to do the right thing, seek the right information and follow the right people.

“Follow those who will positively impact your mind. There’s no shortcut to the top, regardless of what anyone tells you. You must pay your dues,” he advised.

He commended the leadership of CIBN for the annual event which brings bright young minds to engage with industry experts, raising forward-thinking professionals equipped to shape the future of banking and finance.

Sanwo-Olu said the theme: “Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development: Empowering the Next Generation”  was timely in the evolving financial landscape.

He reeled out empowerment and capacity initiatives of the state for the youth and explained how they could access the opportunities using technological gadgets.

“As I speak to you, we have another one going on. We have over 4,000 youths from Lagos State that applied for it. It’s called the Ibile Youth Leadership Academy,” he said.

Some dignitaries at the hybrid second edition of CIBN Generation Next Forum convened in Lagos on Thursday.

Also, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President/Chairman, Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), corroborated the governor’s call for youth to use social media and technology positively.

According to him, 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population are youths, crucial to the country’s future and must be prepared accordingly.

“Your presence here today reflects our shared commitment to a Nigeria where youth engagement and entrepreneurship thrive, driving sustainable growth and economic development,” he said.

He said the theme reflected CIBN’s vision for future of banking and finance and a next generation steering Nigeria toward sustainable growth and development.

He thanked the Managing Director of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Mr Bello Hassan, whose commitment to financial stability and regulatory excellence is critical to the resilience of the banking system.

Hassan, while delivering his goodwill message, said the financial sector, in particular, had witnessed rapidly expanding technological advancements that had opened new frontiers for efficiency, inclusion, and sustainability.

He explained the role of NDIC and how it was leveraging technology to track banks’ financial health for development and safety of depositors’ funds.

“As the next generation of leaders in the banking and financial services sector, your role in driving innovation and ensuring the success of these technologies cannot be overstated,” he said.

The event featured several speakers who discussed the transformative power of technology and its role in enhancing digital transactions during the COVID-19 lockdown.

They highlighted the importance of consistency, resilience, positivity, rigour, discipline and reliability as essential habits for young entrepreneurs.

Miss Chika Ifejirika, a corps member serving in Eti-Osa Local Government, expressed her excitement about the event and joined other young people in sharing their enthusiasm with journalists.

The event featured exhibitions by banks and youth-owned companies and attracted a diverse audience, including students, youth corps members, young professionals and entrepreneurs.