By Jumoke Olaitan
Speakers at the grand finale of DreamRise Fest 2026 have urged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, relevant skills and integrity as essential tools for building a better future for themselves and the country.
The event, organised by the Lola Carter Foundation, was held on Wednesday in Abuja under the theme, “The Future We Are Building.”
Speaking at the event, Mrs Nwanyinma Okeanu, a representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said Nigeria’s future depended on young people who combine innovation with integrity.
She said corruption could be reduced when children and youths embrace honesty, accountability and responsible leadership from an early age.
“Leadership starts with character, not title. A good leader is the child who refuses to cheat in an examination, the teenager who says no to cybercrime and the young person who chooses honesty even when it is difficult,” she said.
Okeanu warned that technological advancement without ethical values could become harmful to society.
“Innovation without integrity is dangerous. Technology without ethics becomes a tool for exploitation. We want young people to channel their creativity into ideas and enterprises that solve real problems and create opportunities for others,” she said.
She added that the commission remained committed to partnering with schools and youth groups to promote ethical leadership, mentorship and anti-corruption values among young Nigerians.
Also speaking, Mr Muhammed Abdullahi, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, called for reforms that would align education with labour market demands and equip graduates with practical skills.
He said many students completed their studies without developing the skills needed to thrive in the workplace.
“The future we are building will not tolerate people who only say they have a degree. We should be teaching with the market in mind and linking education to the needs of the labour market,” he said.
Abdullahi stressed the need for students to think about their career paths from the moment they enter higher institutions.
“Never make the mistake of entering a higher institution without thinking about how your degree will serve you after graduation. Education is an investment, and it should equip you with skills that create value and opportunities,” he said.
According to him, employers increasingly seek workers with practical, digital and soft skills, including communication and relationship management.
He said initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Academy were designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace requirements by providing vocational and employability skills.
One of the students, Ms Chimamanda Igwe, expressed excitement at participating in the programme.
“I am very happy to be among the young innovators. The programme has inspired me to develop my talents and use them positively to contribute to society,” she said.
In her remarks, the convener, Ololade Ogunnubi, said the initiative was designed to expose children and young people to innovation, leadership and problem-solving skills from an early age.
She expressed optimism that nurturing creativity and innovation among children would help produce future leaders capable of addressing national challenges and driving sustainable development.
According to her, investing in children today is an investment in Nigeria’s future prosperity and progress.
The event featured exhibitions, official presentations of books and discussions by young innovators, as well as mentorship sessions aimed at encouraging creativity, leadership and entrepreneurship among children and youths. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade
