By Taiye Olayemi

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has called on Nigerian youths to leverage their creativity, skills, and determination to transform the country into a global innovation hub.

Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President and Chairman of Council of CIBN, made the call on Tuesday in Lagos at the third edition of the institute’s Generation Next Forum.

He said that this was necessary to reposition the country for sustainable development.

The theme of the programme is “Think, Innovate, Transform: The Power of Youth in Repositioning Nigeria for Sustainable Development”.

Olanrewaju noted that Nigeria’s youthful population, with a median age of 18 years, was one of the youngest in the world and represented a powerful resource that could be harnessed to drive innovation and economic growth.

He said that the programme was designed to inspire and equip young Nigerians to lead the nation’s transformation, especially in an era of rapid digital disruption and shifting global priorities.

According to him, the event was organised to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day.

“This youthful energy present in our country is a powerful resource, not a liability.

“If properly harnessed with vision, creativity, and determination, it can drive the transformation needed to position Nigeria as a global innovation hub,” he said.

The CIBN president emphasised the need for strategic investments in education, capacity building, job creation, and innovation to unlock the full potential of young Nigerians.

He explained that the forum was part of the institute’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment, aimed at shifting Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-led one.

“Our vision is for Nigeria to channel the creativity, skills, and energy of its young people into productive enterprise, innovation, and value creation for the world.

“This forum was designed to challenge your thinking, expand your horizon, and equip you with tools to shape the future that you deserve.

“To you, our vibrant, brilliant, unstoppable youth, whether students, graduates, professionals, or founders, I advise you to engage deeply, ask questions, connect boldly, be open to learning, be unafraid to dream, and be ready to lead,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Chinwe Iloghalu, Acting Managing Director of Nova Bank, commended CIBN for its initiative to empower youths.

She urged participants to tap into their innate creativity and remain open to opportunities around them.

“Everyone has the capacity to excel in any field. Explore solutions to the pressing issues facing Nigeria today.

“Be open to new opportunities, challenge the status quo, and remember that your voices matter and your actions carry weight,” she said.

Iloghalu encouraged the youth to remain focused on developing innovative solutions capable of transforming their environment.

Mr Ade Buraimo, Group Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank, urged the youth to aspire beyond limitations, stressing that success does not require coming from an affluent background.

“Think big and think far. Innovate, and don’t get too comfortable with what you are doing today.

“Create time to learn, place yourself under mentorship, and equip yourself to turn challenging situations into opportunities,” he said.

Mrs Christiana Salmwang, Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), urged youths to think beyond their limits and avoid making excuses.

“This is not the time for flimsy lamentations or to believe anyone who says your challenges are too great.

“Transform with integrity and build solutions that can stand the test of time. The future is already here,” she said.

Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager and Area Business Head, West Africa, Mastercard, said that building a career as a leader in Nigeria’s banking and financial services sector requires integrity and accountability.

She urged the youth to think boldly and innovate with purpose, noting that there were numerous challenges in need of solutions.

“Be a change maker and collaborate across industries. Success is birthed through smart decisions,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa