Sanwo-Olu Urges Youth Participation, Skill Development at Seyi Tinubu’s 41st Birthday Colloquium

Babajide Sanwo-Olu calls on young Nigerians to develop their skills, participate in governance and contribute to community development.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged young Nigerians to participate actively in governance, acquire valuable skills and contribute to national development, saying the future depends on collective effort and long-term planning.

Sanwo-Olu made the call while speaking at the 41st birthday colloquium of Seyi Tinubu, whom he described as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

In a post on X, the governor commended Seyi Tinubu for bringing young Nigerians together to discuss the country’s future, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

Using Lagos’ Blue Line rail project as an example, Sanwo-Olu noted that the project was first conceived in 1983 but became operational decades later, highlighting how major development initiatives can span successive administrations.

He said the experience demonstrated the importance of starting projects that future leaders can complete and build upon.

The governor also reflected on his professional journey from surveying to banking and public service, explaining that effective leadership requires understanding existing conditions before implementing development plans.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave young professionals the opportunity to contribute to governance, debate ideas and develop their leadership capacity when he brought them into government.

Addressing young Nigerians, Sanwo-Olu encouraged them to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards, attend community and ward meetings, participate in budget hearings and take an active role in decisions affecting their lives.

He also advised young people to develop expertise in their chosen fields, emphasising that sustained effort and practical skills could help them establish themselves professionally.

The governor further encouraged Nigerians living or studying abroad to maintain connections with their home communities and apply the knowledge and experience they acquire to local development.

Sanwo-Olu called on older generations to mentor young people, create employment opportunities for emerging talent and make room for younger leaders to assume greater responsibilities.

As he prepares to leave office in the coming months, the governor said his hope was to complete ongoing initiatives, begin projects that future administrations could continue and leave a strong foundation for subsequent generations.