The seventh Ambassadors Summit in Lagos, a gathering of over 3,000 young Nigerians, underscored the pressing need for youth empowerment and leadership development as critical drivers of national progress. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event, reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth-focused initiatives, emphasizing the importance of continuous investment in education, skills acquisition, and leadership programs as essential pillars for nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders. This commitment aligns with the belief that empowering youth is not merely a social responsibility, but a strategic investment in the future of the nation. The summit served as a platform to reinforce the message that young people are the future and that their potential must be harnessed for national development.
Chief Kesington Adebutu, a prominent industrialist and sponsor of the summit, echoed this sentiment, urging the young participants to cultivate essential leadership qualities: vision, discipline, and a commitment to service. Adebutu, represented by his daughter, Abiola Olorede, stressed the importance of using wealth and influence for the betterment of society, emphasizing that true strength lies not in numbers or physical prowess, but in the wisdom to guide and the courage to serve. Olorede shared valuable life lessons imparted by her father, emphasizing the importance of integrity, hard work, perseverance, financial discipline, and a strong faith. These principles, she noted, are fundamental to personal success and impactful leadership.
Olusegun Alebiosu, Chief Executive of First Bank, delivered a keynote address focusing on navigating financial uncertainty. He provided practical advice for young leaders, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, asset acquisition, resilience building, and continuous skills development. In the 21st century, where financial acumen is crucial for success, Alebiosu underscored the need for young individuals to understand and navigate the complexities of finance, encouraging them to invest wisely, build resilience in the face of economic challenges, and constantly upgrade their skills to remain competitive.
Joshua Oyeniyi, convener of the summit and CEO of Amborion Consulting, highlighted the event’s significance as a transformative platform for capacity building, networking, and leadership renewal. The summit’s theme, “SURGE—Strategic Leadership for Turning Challenges into Opportunities,” resonated deeply, encapsulating the essence of effective leadership in a world facing unprecedented challenges. The event was designed to equip participants with the necessary tools for strategic decision-making, adaptive leadership, and innovation, ultimately empowering them to transform adversity into opportunities for growth and positive change.
The summit fostered an environment of learning and collaboration, offering valuable networking opportunities for participants to connect with influential figures and expand their professional networks across Nigeria and beyond. The event’s ultimate goal was to catalyze breakthroughs in the participants’ leadership journeys, igniting a profound understanding of their capacity to create opportunities for themselves and others.
The summit also attracted several other dignitaries, including government officials, business leaders, and international representatives, further highlighting the importance of youth empowerment and leadership development in the national agenda. The presence of Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; wife of the Lagos State Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Ayodele Ogunsan; Amazon U.S.A Product Manager, Ahmed Ogundimu; and American Airlines Business Manager, Itunu Taiwo, among others, underscores the broad support for youth-focused initiatives and the recognition of their crucial role in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria. The diverse representation demonstrated a collective commitment to fostering leadership potential among young Nigerians and empowering them to become agents of positive change.
