CITIZENS COMPASS— No fewer than 3,000 youths from tertiary institutions including University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Yaba College of Technology attended a youth conference in Surulere area of Lagos State.
The youths conference,Turning Point 7.0, was held over the weekend where the attendees benefitted from palliatives containing rice, beans, semovita, and garri that were distributed to all the participants as take away at the end of the event.
In his address, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has urged youths to embrace disciplined action and preparedness to achieve meaningful impact.
He spoke at a youth conference, with the theme ‘Emerge 2026’, held at University of Lagos over the weekend.
Hamzat, represented by Commissioner for Youth, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said emergence required transforming ideas into practical, ethical and knowledge-driven plans.
“True leadership demands integrity, strong values and confidence built on knowledge,” he said, urging youths to align passion with purpose and pursue innovation.
He encouraged continuous learning beyond formal education, stressing resilience through failure and the need to convert innovation into entrepreneurship.
“You need sound education, understand society and apply common sense while committing to discipline, growth and innovation for meaningful impact,” he added.
The Convener, Olusegun Odufuwa, said the forum united youths to learn, connect and grow despite uncertainty and challenges.
“The idea is to bring youths together to learn, connect and grow, reminding them they can rise, stay motivated and achieve their goals,” he said.
Nonye Ayeni of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) described youths as drivers of non-oil export growth.
She urged them to become entrepreneurs and exporters, leveraging agriculture, creative industries and global markets for sustainable economic transformation.
“We encourage young Nigerians to embrace NEPC programmes, build capacity, access markets and emerge as global ambassadors,” Ayeni said.
Entrepreneur, Kelechi Uchegbulem, stressed consistent daily actions and clarity of purpose as keys to long-term success.
“Your emergence is not accidental; it is the product of consistent actions and deliberate decisions you make every day,” he said.
Chief Executive of RED for Africa, Ayodeji Razaq, urged bold self-redefinition and strategic positioning over reliance on talent.
He warned transformation demanded resilience, discipline and willingness to leave comfort zones in pursuit of future relevance.
The coordinator, Lighthouse Bruma kumaris, Sis Ben Ghauthami said that the programme benefits Nigerian youth by exposing them to expert-led topics including mental health, business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, while urging honesty, focus, and proper emotional channeling for a purposeful future.
“Youths must prioritise mental and emotional health, remain honest in their chosen paths, and avoid compromising their future, ensuring strength is positively directed towards growth, leadership, and contributions to society.”
An entertainment lawyer, Yemisi Faleye urged youths to always create a brand that would make them stand out as well as to always protect their intellectual properties after discovering.
Participants praised the event, with Confidence Chukwurah describing it as impactful and inspiring for young leaders.
Another participant, Adegbe Mercy, said the conference offered exposure, connections and alternative career pathways through skills development.
