Sanwo-Olu Urges Young Nigerians to Build Skills, Participate in Governance at Seyi Tinubu’s 41st Birthday Colloquium

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged young Nigerians to develop their skills, participate actively in governance and contribute to building a better future for the country.

Sanwo-Olu made the call while speaking at the 41st birthday colloquium of Seyi Tinubu, the Okanlomo of Yorubaland, where he highlighted the importance of youth empowerment, mentorship and long-term development.

The governor commended Seyi Tinubu for bringing young Nigerians together to discuss the nation’s future, stressing that meaningful progress requires collective effort, patience and continuity across successive administrations.

Using the Lagos Blue Line rail project as an example, Sanwo-Olu noted that the project, first conceived in 1983, became a reality four decades later, demonstrating that some of the most significant achievements may take years to materialise.

According to him, the lesson is that leaders must not only complete projects inherited from their predecessors but also initiate programmes that future administrations can sustain and develop.

Reflecting on his own journey from surveying to banking and eventually becoming governor, Sanwo-Olu said effective leadership requires a clear understanding of existing realities and the work that remains to be done.

He also recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave young professionals opportunities to contribute to governance when he served in government in his 30s, encouraging open debate, innovation and professional growth.

Sanwo-Olu urged young Nigerians to take an active interest in political and civic affairs, noting that important decisions affecting their lives are often made at community meetings, ward meetings and budget hearings.

He encouraged them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate in democratic processes and take responsibility for shaping the future of their communities.

The governor also emphasised the importance of mastering a skill, urging young people to develop their abilities to a level where the quality of their work speaks for itself.

He further advised Nigerians to remain connected to their homeland, even when travelling abroad for education, training or professional opportunities, and to bring back the knowledge and ideas needed to strengthen local communities.

Addressing his generation, Sanwo-Olu said established leaders have a responsibility to mentor younger people without expecting anything in return, employ emerging talent and create opportunities for the next generation to assume leadership positions.

As he prepares to hand over power in the coming months, the governor expressed hope that his administration would complete projects inherited from previous governments, initiate lasting developments and leave a strong foundation for future leaders.

He stressed that sustainable development depends on a shared commitment to preparing the next generation and ensuring that today’s efforts contribute to tomorrow’s progress.