Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerian youths to take a leading role in building a digital, inclusive and sustainable economy.

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Wednesday at the 4th Generation Next Forum 4.0 organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos. He was represented at the event by the Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi.

The forum was held under the theme, “Building Tomorrow Today: Youth as Catalysts of a Digital, Inclusive and Sustainable Economy,” with discussions centred on the contribution young Nigerians can make to the country’s economic future.

The governor said young Nigerians were already helping to drive economic transformation through technology-enabled businesses, mobile applications, online commerce, remote work and fintech innovations.

He, however, emphasised that technological progress must be supported by integrity, discipline, creativity and strong problem-solving abilities.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted interventions by the Lagos State Government aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and businesses.

According to the governor, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund has disbursed more than N15 billion to over 20,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He said the intervention had contributed to the creation of more than 320,000 jobs, including N1.9 billion disbursed to businesses in 2025.

The governor further disclosed that Lagos’ innovation initiatives had supported more than 240 startups and trained about 1,000 youths in software development, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Sanwo-Olu said the state government would continue creating opportunities for young Nigerians by expanding access to funding, skills development, technology hubs and partnerships with businesses and workplaces.

He also urged financial institutions and businesses to see young people as partners in innovation rather than merely beneficiaries of support programmes.

The governor called on banks and businesses to provide mentorship, funding opportunities and platforms through which young Nigerians can develop and commercialise innovative ideas.

“Tomorrow belongs to the young, but tomorrow is being built today,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu’s call comes as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to generate opportunities for young entrepreneurs and technology professionals. At the same time, access to finance, relevant skills and business support remains critical to ensuring broader youth participation in the country’s economic growth.

Source: MSME Africa Online