By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor has advised Nigerian Youth to be focused, persevere, and understand their purpose in life, adding that it is important they know that there is no shortcut to success.
The Governor gave this charge today during an Interactive session with “Class 2025 Scholars” of the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) led by the Vice Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Ifeoma Nwokorie, at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat stressed that success is about focusing on the right things and taking opportunities and thinking of how they can add value to the society, adding that they must endeavour to develop themselves so that they can be ‘first among the equals’, in whatever profession they find themselves.
“So, if you want to do things, start building your mind. Success is about focusing on the right things, persevering, and understanding that there is no shortcut to success. Success is about focusing on the right things, so that’s my advice to you. Besides, you must be purposeful and passionate about achieving your dreams. Education is about acquiring knowledge, and so, you must always strive to acquire the right knowledge and information that will be very useful for your development and growth,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of mentorship, saying this helps guide one in his or her life journey to prosperity and personal development.
The Governor advised that Nigerians cannot be a nation of complainants but a nation of people who see opportunities and take advantage of these opportunities for their own good and that of the society.
Earlier in her remarks, the Vice Chairman, Dr. Ifeoma Nwokorie, said the institution has visited to gain first-hand experience on how governance and policy shape the youth as individuals and move the country forward.
She added that the state government’s commitment to youth leadership and governance advancements through the Lateef Jakande Academy aligns with the NHDF vision of cultivating world-class leaders and has prompted their visit and interaction with the leadership of the state.
“The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation was established in 2004 by the John D. and Kathy T. MacArthur Foundation, with the mission to create awareness in regards to how higher education plays in shaping the youths as individuals, and the vision to create the kind of universities that help people in the world,” said Nwokorie who lauded the state government for its continued support for the youths’ development in the state.
