The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has called on young graduates to focus on building character, discipline, and purpose as they transit from campus life to career development.
Olawande stated this while delivering the goodwill message at this year’s edition of the Life After School (LAS) Summit hosted by the Noella Foundation in Lagos.
It is instructive to note that Noella Foundation was founded in 2018 by Mrs Layal Tinubu and her husband, Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
Addressing over 500 young graduates, the Minister said the true journey of life of every individual in this country begins after graduation from school.
Olawande further said, “Every year, this inspiring platform reminds us that the real journey begins after school, when certificates give way to character, and grades make room for grit. The path from campus to career is rarely easy, but with the right skills, values, and mindset, it becomes a launchpad for greatness.”
He further reminded the over 500 young graduates in attendance that life will test their patience but never their purpose.
He further encouraged the youth to keep learning, volunteer freely, start small but start strong, and build meaningful relationships that will help shape their future.
Olawande said,, “What you do in the first five years after graduation will shape the next 50 years of their lives. You must keep learning, volunteer freely, start small but start strong, and build discipline and meaningful relationships.
Sharing from his personal experience, the Minister warned against shortcuts that promise quick wealth but take away valuable wisdom. He also advised young people not to compare their stories with others, emphasizing that “every destiny has its own clock.”
Olawande reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through initiatives like NiYA, YouthCred, and Yo! Health under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. He said the programmes are designed to ensure that education leads to employment, enterprise, and empowerment for the nation’s youth.
The minister expressed special appreciation to Mrs. Layal Tinubu and the Noella Foundation for their dedication to nurturing a generation of “doers, dreamers, and nation builders.”
The event highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts toward youth empowerment, innovation, and skill development in Nigeria.
