Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called upon organizations and individuals to collaborate with the state government in promoting initiatives that empower the youth.

He made this appeal during the inaugural edition of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Generation Next Forum held in Lagos on Thursday.

Themed “Industry 5.0 Banking Revolution: Insights for the Next Generation,” the forum aims to bridge the gap between the present and the future.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized his administration’s commitment to fostering innovation and harnessing the transformative power of technology for the greater good.

The Governor stressed the need to empower and prepare Nigeria’s vibrant and dynamic youth population, representing approximately 70 percent of the total population, to contribute effectively to the economic ecosystem. With a median age of 18.1 years, the future truly belongs to the youths, and empowering them now will have significant long-term benefits.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the concept of Industry 5.0, which represents the convergence of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, the internet, blockchain, and robotics with the core elements of humanity and society.

He recognized that the young generation is naturally inclined towards technology and innovation, holding the key to unlocking the full potential of Industry 5.0.

In response to the recent exodus of young Nigerians to foreign countries, known as the “Japa syndrome,” the CIBN President/Chairman, Dr. Ken Opara, praised the Governor’s dedication to youth empowerment, especially in the area of digital skills development.

To address this issue, the institute, in collaboration with the banking industry, established a human capital development fund. This fund will be utilized to nurture a pool of talented individuals equipped with the requisite skill set to address emerging developments in the industry and ensure a steady supply of capable professionals for the banking sector.

The CIBN Generation Next Forum provided a platform to explore the significance of the Fifth Industrial Revolution and its impact on the banking and finance industry, particularly in relation to the young generation.

The event featured a mentoring clinic for aspiring young professionals, the unveiling of the CIBN’s new logo to commemorate its 60th anniversary, tech talk, innovation expo, educational fair, talent hunt, job fair, motivational insights, SME Clinic, and exhibitions.

By nurturing the aspirations of the next generation, we empower them to become architects of a more innovative, efficient, and customer-centric banking sector for tomorrow. The Governor’s call for public-private partnerships reinforces the commitment to transforming the lives of the youth and enhancing the nation’s economic future.