Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Others Urge Nigerian Youths to Take Charge at GiNN 4.0 Conference in Lagos

Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Lagos State election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has called on Nigerian youths to wake up from passivity and take ownership of the country’s future. He made this statement during the GiNN 4.0 conference held in Lagos on Tuesday, urging young people to take action instead of merely shouting on social media.

The event, tagged “Rewriting the Nigerian Story: Building the Future, Becoming the Future,” brought together young innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to discuss how youths can shape a new Nigeria.

Rhodes-Vivour, who was the face of the Labour Party in the last governorship race, told participants that the future of Nigeria depends solely on their actions or inaction.

“If Nigeria succeeds or fails, it depends on the youth,” he said. “You are either the beneficiaries or the victims of what becomes of this country. It’s time to stop shouting and start acting. Get your voters’ card, make your demands known, and define a new Nigeria where you can thrive.”

He challenged Nigerian youths to stop sitting on the sidelines and start leading efforts to drive civic engagement, inclusive governance, and national transformation.

Youth Must Contribute, Not Just Consume
Agomeze Saint, convener of the Gen-Z Involvement in a New Nigeria (GiNN) initiative, urged youths to shift from being passive recipients of national development to being active players in economic growth.

“Young Nigerians must stop waiting to be rescued. We must start building, creating, and contributing to the growth of this country,” he said.

According to him, young people must take ownership of the country’s challenges and rise to proffer solutions through entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

Start Small, Grow Big
The Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, encouraged young Nigerians to build with what they already have, instead of waiting endlessly for support.

“Before you go out asking for support, use your own resources,” Adesina advised. “Bet on yourself first—only then will others be willing to bet on you.”

He noted that many successful ventures started small, adding that self-belief and resilience are keys to growing ideas into impactful businesses.

Solve, Don’t Complain
Also speaking at the event, Bunmi Davies, CEO of Afrotainment Productions, urged youths to focus on solutions, not problems.

“Foreigners invest here not because they love us, but because they see opportunities. If you don’t solve your problems, others will—and they’ll take the profits,” he warned.

Davies stressed that Nigeria’s problems can only be solved by Nigerians who are ready to innovate and take charge.

Discipline, Strategy and Integrity
In a goodwill message, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Mobolaji Ogunlende, told the youth that discipline and strategic thinking are the foundation of leadership.

“It’s not enough to want change. We must show integrity, think strategically, and act responsibly to bring about that change,” he said.

He also charged young Nigerians to live as good examples in their communities.

Get Involved Unapologetically
Former Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, encouraged youths to stop waiting for permission to get involved in governance and policymaking.

“Be unapologetically involved,” she said. “The future belongs to those who show up now.”

She urged the youth to use their voices, skills, and platforms to push for reforms and shape national policies.

From Social Media Critics to Real-World Creators
Olugbenga Obadina, Chairman of Almond Projects Limited, warned against the rise of online activists who do little in the real world.

“Don’t join the chorus of complaint. Join the orchestra of creators,” he said.

He called on the youth to focus less on social media rants and more on solution-driven ideas that will move Nigeria forward.

Celebrating Young Change-Makers
A key part of the conference was the Young Excellence Awards, aimed at recognising young Nigerians who are already taking steps to change the narrative. Nine individuals were honoured for their leadership and impact in various fields including technology, entertainment, advocacy, and education. The awardees are:

Somto Alexander Nnoruga

Olumide Oworu

Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja

Edeh Sylvester Chisom

Victory Ashaka

Chioma Ukpabi

Muhammed Gilmore Adekunle

Christopher Joseph Bassey

Matthias Busoye

These young leaders were celebrated for their creativity, vision, and relentless drive to make Nigeria better.

As the conference ended, speakers and attendees echoed the same message: The time for Nigerian youths to act is now. The future of the country will not be handed down—it must be built by the bold, the prepared, and the united.

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