The Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Lagos governorship election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has called on youths to rise up, take action, and defend the future of the country.
Rhodes-Vivour made the call on Tuesday during the fourth annual conference of the Gen-Z involvement in a New Nigeria, GiNN 4.0, tagged: “Rewriting the Nigerian Story: Building the Future, Becoming the Future,” held in Lagos.
Rhodes-Vivour charged the youths to stop complaining and start leading positive change through civic engagement and proactive solutions.
“If Nigeria succeeds or fails, it depends on the youth.
“You are the beneficiaries or the victims of whatever becomes of this country. It’s time to stop shouting and start acting.
“Get your voters’ card, make your demands known, and define a new Nigeria where you can thrive,” he declared.
The convener of the group, Agomeze Saint, stressed the need for young Nigerians to actively contribute to the economy to drive development.
Saint urged young people to transition from being passive beneficiaries to active contributors to the economy.
On his part, the Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, stressed the importance of little beginnings, noting that “Starting small is the best way to become big.”
Adesina emphasised the need for individuals to utilise their own resources before seeking external support.
He said, “Before you go out asking for support, use your own resources.”
Adesina further noted the significance of self-confidence, stating, “Bet on yourself first—only then will others be willing to bet on you.”
Also speaking, the CEO of Afrotainment Productions, Bunmi Davies, emphasised problem-solving over complaints.
Davies stated, “Foreigners invest here not because they love us, but because they see opportunities. If you don’t solve your problems, others will and they’ll take the profits.”
In a goodwill message, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Mobolaji Ogunlende, urged the youth to be responsible and good citizens, stressing the importance of discipline, strategic thinking, and integrity in building a better future for Nigeria.
Former Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, urged the youths to be ‘unapologetically’ involved in governance and nation-building.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Almond Projects Limited, Olugbenga Obadina, warned against the culture of criticism on social media and called for a shift towards problem-solving and innovation.
“Don’t join the chorus of complaint. Join the orchestra of creators,” he said.
The conference featured discussions and sessions on key areas such as youth leadership, economic development, technological innovation, and policy reform.
As part of the event, GiNN introduced the “Young Excellence Awards” to recognise emerging leaders. Nine young Nigerians were honoured for their contributions in various fields: Somto Alexander Nnoruga, Olumide Oworu, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, Edeh Sylvester Chisom, Victory Ashaka, Chioma Ukpabi, Muhammed Gilmore Adekunle, Christopher Joseph Bassey and Matthias Busoye.
