Nigerian youths urged to embrace financial literacy to attain impactful future leadership role

Bolaji Obabiyi (Intern)

Nigerian youths have been charged to develop strong financial skills and adopt the right mindset towards money if they are to emerge as impactful leaders of the future.

Penpushing reports that Marketing Manager of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Ayo Baiyewu gave the charge on Monday while speaking at the maiden BUDLEIN Ambassador Mentoring Programme (BUDLAMP) organised by the Budding Leaders Empowerment Initiative (BUDLEIN).

The mentoring programmed theme,’ “Raising Leadership Skills, Strategy and Service’, was held at the Postgraduate School Auditorium of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), aimed at equipping young people with the tools to thrive as change agents in society.

Penpushing further reports that Baiyewu in his address emphasised that financial literacy is a critical component of leadership, stressing that money should be seen as a tool for service and impact rather than mere personal comfort.

“Money is a tool for impact, not just personal comfort. Leaders must embrace stewardship, creativity, and delayed gratification if they truly want to make lasting change’, Baiyewu said.

Penpushing also reports that he identified budgeting, saving, and investing as the core financial skills young people must cultivate, noting that saving guarantees stability and economic protection while investing provides long-term growth.

The financial expert equally advised participants to practice personal discipline by saving at least ₦5,000 weekly, learning digital skills, and exploring entrepreneurship and innovation, just as he highlighted the need for a mindset shift.

Penpushing reports that he urged youths to adopt abundance thinking—seeing opportunities where others see challenges—and to treat money with a sense of stewardship, pointing out that future billionaires must begin to think creatively, embrace financial responsibility, and commit to building wealth with integrity and impact.

The Executive Director of BUDLEIN, Professor Iyabode Kehinde, earlier in her welcome remarks described the maiden programme as a milestone in the organisation’s mission to nurture budding leaders.

Penpushing further reports that she explained that, the initiative seeks to empower young people with transformative leadership and personal development skills in a conducive environment that encourages community involvement and confidence building.

The keynote address was delivered by former Vice Chancellor of Landmark University, Professor Olayanju Adeniyi, who redefined leadership beyond positions and titles, stressing that it is not an appointment but an attainment.

“Leadership is not occupying a seat; it is accomplishing a feat. It is not an appointment, but an attainment. The real worth of a leader is in the value he adds and the contributions he accomplishes’ he said.

Penpushing also reports that Adeniyi outlined four platforms for developing leadership potential—self-management, time management, task management, and resource management.

The former Vice Chancellor encouraged the youths to cultivate strategic thinking, embrace community service, and inspire confidence in order to become true agents of change.

‘Leadership is about impact, not position. Leadership should be measured by contribution to society, not by the authority a person wields’, Adeniyi added.

Penpushing reports that the organisers of BUDLEIN Ambassador Mentoring Programme, stated that it was designed to combine mentorship sessions, leadership training, and practical guidance while also creating opportunities for young participants to build meaningful networks.

‘With engaging lectures and interactive sessions, the programme reflected BUDLEIN’s vision of raising a new generation of leaders who can think critically, act responsibly, and make lasting contributions to society’.

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