Prince Olatunji Olusoji, popularly known as Asiwaju, has reiterated the need for greater investment in young people, describing the youth population as the foundation upon which the future of every society depends.

The businessman and philanthropist made the remarks while speaking on his commitment to education, empowerment and mentorship initiatives targeted at young people across Kogi State.

According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved when governments, institutions and individuals deliberately create opportunities that enable young people to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

His comments come amid growing concerns about unemployment, economic challenges and limited opportunities facing many young Nigerians, particularly in rural communities.

Over the years, Asiwaju has been associated with several youth-focused interventions, including educational support programmes, scholarship initiatives and empowerment projects aimed at improving opportunities for young people.

Beneficiaries of some of the programmes say the interventions have provided much-needed support for students and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking opportunities to advance their education and careers.

Community stakeholders also note that his engagement with young people has helped encourage conversations around self-development, entrepreneurship and community service, particularly among youths in Kogi West and surrounding areas.

Observers believe such initiatives are increasingly important at a time when many young people are seeking mentorship, direction and practical support to navigate economic and social challenges.

Beyond philanthropy, many youths have also identified with his message of hard work, discipline and enterprise, pointing to his business background as an example of what can be achieved through persistence and strategic thinking.

Traditional rulers and community leaders have similarly acknowledged the importance of initiatives that promote youth inclusion and development, noting that investing in young people remains critical to the growth of any society.

Speaking on why he remains passionate about supporting the younger generation, Asiwaju said society risks creating bigger challenges in the future if adequate attention is not given to youth development today.

“Youths are the backbone of every society. If we fail to invest in them today through education, empowerment and mentorship, then we are simply postponing bigger problems for tomorrow,” he said.

He added that leadership should not be measured solely by personal accomplishments but by the opportunities created for others to grow and succeed.

According to him, his commitment to supporting young people remains unwavering because empowering the next generation is one of the most effective ways of building stronger communities and securing a better future for society.