In his opening remarks at the hybrid Youth Leadership Series (YLS) organized by Stanbic IBTC, the Chief Executive Officer of the organization, Dr. Demola Sogunle has stressed the need for private enterprises and public sector to harness and invest more in the development of Nigeria’s huge youth population to grow the nation’s economy.
He said: “Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have shown us that youth make up about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population. Therefore, as a nation, we should harness the potential of Nigeria’s youth while accelerating the economic benefit and the country’s economic growth.
According to him, the Nigerian youth require supports. He emphatically stated that support is very important with guidance and empowerment, to propel them to the pinnacle of their various fields.
He said, “The innovative projects and tech disruptions, championed by the Nigerian youths in virtually every sector of the economy. I will say, are real proofs of their ingenuity, skills, brilliance and resourcefulness, including their resilience.”
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He added that Stanbic IBTC is focused on empowering youths through its various corporate social responsibility schemes.
He added: “It is important to mention that the you know, Corporate Social Investment initiatives at Stanbic IBTC are edged on three pillars, first one is health, the second one, which is very important is economic empowerment and the third is education. The Youth Leadership Series rests on two of our key pillars that is economic empowerment, and education.
“The other youth intervention initiative that we’ve got, in Stanbic IBTC is our flagship university scholarship scheme. Over two hundred students on admission into several tertiary institutions across the country have benefited from our scholarship program in the last few years.
“It is worth mentioning that Stanbic IBTC’s unwavering support for Nigerian citizens remains paramount, especially for the Nigerian youth. Furthermore, in line with the International Women day, I wish you all happy International Women’s Day. I urge you to continue to break the bias in home, offices, schools, workplaces, and communities, in resident associations. Just go out there, if you come across any bias please try to break.”
