Founder of Glitz Group, Adetola Akinola has urged the younger generation to engage in mentoring in their quest for a better future, while asking the government to provide an enabling environment for all to thrive.

This was disclosed at an annual conference tagged ‘A Day with Detola,’ which had in attendance Founder and CEO of Gemstone Group, Fela Durotoye; former two-time Commissioner of Ogun State, Jokotade Odebunmi; and Chairman of the Niyi Adesanya Foundation, Niyi Adesanya, held in Lagos.

Akinola stressed the need for youths to develop themselves through mentoring, while expressing optimism that the country would be great again.

According to her, having enjoyed mentorship from the invited guests, it was important for her to pay it forward by providing the opportunity for the youths to learn from her success stories.

She said: “I’ve had the opportunity to sit on the shoulders of giants, and it has helped me shine and do well. This event is an opportunity to give back to both my peers and the generation coming after me. It’s an honor to extend the gesture I have enjoyed from people who have mentored and handheld me.

“I urge the youths to get involved in everything that involves leadership – I don’t want to say politics because leadership transcends beyond politics. So, politics is inclusive, but we should just get involved.

“Mentorship is a hack. Whether you’re mentored or not, you will still probably move forward and succeed. But when you enjoy mentorship from good people, you’re likely to move faster than you ordinarily would have. So, any day, I recommend mentorship. Get yourself very good mentors. It is a hack for success.

“The government cannot and will not do everything, but it is important they provide a conducive environment for all. There are certain things we must do, just the same way there are things God will do and some things you will do. I believe Nigeria will be great.”

On his part, Adesanya, while commending Akinola for devoting her time to ensure the well-being of the youths, noted that it was important for them to stay competitive in their chosen fields and profession and stay relevant.

“It is important to build your social skills, increase your knowledge, and be creative in expressing the knowledge that you have. Look for a mentor, serve the mentor, and glean from his wisdom. I said ‘serve’ meaning that they (mentors) are very busy people, and so you have to trade something for something for them to be able to trade you their time.”

Durotoye believes the time is now for young people to rise up with courage, character, and charisma and take hold of the future, while urging them to think beyond employment.

Odebunmi urged the youths to be focused, resilient, and respectful in their pursuit to achieve great success.