The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has charged Nigerian youths to embrace learning, dream boldly and connect with others to shape the nation’s future.
CIBN President, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, gave the charge at the institute’s Generation Next Forum 3.0, themed, ‘Think, Innovate, Transform: The Power of Youth in Repositioning Nigeria for Sustainable Development’, in commemoration of International Youth Day.
The forum brought together banking leaders, youth development advocates, and corps members to foster creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills among Nigeria’s young professionals.
Olanrewaju said the forum was designed to challenge young minds, broaden their perspectives, and equip them with tools for nation-building.
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic advantage, he noted that the country’s median age of 18 offers a unique opportunity for transformation compared to countries like Canada, France, and the UK, with a median age of around 40, or Brazil and Argentina, with about 30.
Olanrewaju stressed CIBN’s commitment to youth empowerment, anchored on the principle that “empower the youth, secure the future.” Drawing inspiration from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and China, he called for a shift from a consumption-driven culture to one focused on production, innovation, and value creation. He also expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners, noting that their support was a testament to their belief in investing in young minds as the most strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
Managing Director and Head, West Africa, J.P. Morgan Nigeria, Dapo Olagunju, in his keynote address, also urged young Nigerians to focus on competence, character, networking, and maintaining a positive mindset as key tools for career growth, despite the country’s challenging socio-economic climate.Olagunju noted that Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators are improving.
“The Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is now $250 billion, up 35 per cent from last year. Total government debt is down from about $120 billion in December 2023 to $97 billion in March 2025, while inflation has dropped from about 33 per cent to 22 per cent,” he said, adding that the trend was moving in the right direction.
However, he observed that social media often amplifies negative narratives, which can dampen young people’s optimism about their future in the country. Sharing his journey, Olagunju recounted how, as treasurer of Access Bank in 2003, he was challenged by his Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to make himself known to the Central Bank Governor.
He explained that he achieved this through consistent innovation, publishing articles, and implementing forward-thinking ideas, one of which, the secondary market trading office initiative, has since become Nigeria’s largest trading platform.
The Managing Director and CEO of NOVA Commercial Bank Limited, Chinwe Iloghalu, tasked the youths, especially female corps members, to seize opportunities to excel beyond current industry leaders, challenging them to harness their creativity, voice their ideas, and embrace innovative thinking.
Iloghalu described the forum as an “exceptional platform” to inspire young leaders. She encouraged participants to challenge assumptions, think outside the box and view challenges as opportunities for innovation.
Managing Director and CEO of Alpha Morgan Bank, Ade Buraimo, advised youths to balance innovation with mentorship, urging them to learn under experienced leaders before launching ventures.
