CBN organizes ‘Summit of the Future’ for over 500 youths

By Mosunmola Ayobami
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has organized a Youth Action Event, a high-level debriefing on the Summit of the Future: Our Common Agenda, for over 500 youths across various groups.
The summit was held at the headquarters auditorium of the apex bank in Abuja on Friday.
In his welcome address, the Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, described the adoption of the Pact for the Future at the United Nations Summit on the Future as a momentous milestone in global history, emphasizing collective action, sustainability, equity, and innovation.

Cardoso, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Economic Policy, Mr. Muhammad Abdullahi, stated that the CBN believes youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also key stakeholders in shaping policies, driving innovation, and transforming the economy today.
Abdullahi noted that achieving success requires strong collaboration and partnerships, where each stakeholder has clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
In his keynote speech, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, urged young Nigerians to prioritize the country’s interests.
He praised the brilliance and “talk-and-do” spirit of Nigerian youths, adding that they excel in all sectors, including education, entertainment, sports, and technology.
Olawande assured youths that he would not disappoint them, emphasizing the need to safeguard opportunities for the future.
“We need your brains, your impact. We need to come together with impactful ideas so the elders can see that we can do it,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice President of the Joint Consultative Council (JCC) of the CBN, Mr. Jamilu Ado, said the step-down summit represents the next crucial step in the journey, providing an opportunity to share valuable insights, inspire greater participation, and mobilize Nigerians toward achieving the ambitious goals outlined in the Pact for the Future.
A message from the United Nations was also delivered at the summit.
The event featured breakout and panel sessions where actionable resolutions were presented.