The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has told Human Resource professionals that investment in youth leadership development would help to tackle global challenges and shape a brighter future.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Human Resources Expo Africa Work Festival 2024, Sanwo-Olu, who spoke on ‘Unleashing your leadership capabilities,’ maintained that Africa’s youth population presented a unique opportunity for global leadership.
The 2024 HREA titled, ‘HR Renaissance: Innovating for Impact,’ took place in Lagos and had various HR professionals who came in to learn from established experts in the sector.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said, “Another one of our key priorities has been to leverage our greatest asset, which is our youth population. Africa has a booming youth population, the fastest growing and youngest in the world, and this presents a unique opportunity for global leadership.
“With one in four people on the planet being African, the world is increasingly looking to Africa for innovation and solutions. From music and fashion to technology and politics, Africa is a powerhouse of talent, and investing in youth leadership development is crucial for tackling global challenges and shaping a brighter future.”
Sanwo-Olu encouraged the HR professionals to create an environment where every individual would feel valued, supported, and empowered to unleash their full potential.
Also speaking, the founder of HR Expo Africa, Erefa Coker, said, “This year’s theme, HR Renaissance: Innovating for impact,’ couldn’t be more apt in a world where change is the only constant, we find ourselves at the precipice of a new era in HR. The current landscape, both locally and internationally, is characterised by rapid technological advancements, shifting employee expectations and the need for organisation to adapt swiftly and remain competitive.”