By Eze Jibueze

In a bid to battle youth restiveness and raise a generation of ethically grounded, visionary, and purpose-driven young leaders, the Lagos Indicator Leadership Forum brought together a dynamic mix of professionals and development experts on March 10 and April 12. At the helm of this impactful initiative was Lagos Indicator Publisher Olatunji Oke.

Held at the Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos office  of the publication, the forum featured a series of intensive seminars focused on leadership development, character transformation, and entrepreneurial skills enhancement.

With participants drawn from various Community Development Areas (CDAs) across Lagos State, the forum delivered a blend of inspiration and practical guidance aimed at equipping youths with the values and competencies needed to drive Nigeria’s future across industries and institutions. Beyond leadership grooming, the seminars also sought to curtail youth restiveness by empowering young people with the tools and mindsets required to become active, productive members of society.

 Known for his incisive insight into personal and community leadership, Oke delivered a powerful message on the role of integrity, discipline, and purpose in transformative leadership. His session was a rallying call to young participants to become agents of change in their local communities, irrespective of current challenges.

“Leadership is not a title or a throne,” Oke said during his keynote address. “It is the responsibility to influence, inspire and innovate — beginning with the values you live by every day.”

Joining Oke on the impressive speaker lineup was Sam Adeoye, a seasoned Specialist in Public Relations and Brand Management, who educated participants on the power of personal branding and how effective communication and reputation can build or break leadership journeys. Adeoye emphasized that in today’s media-driven world, young people must curate both competence and character, as public perception often influences opportunities.

Another keynote speaker, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, brought a wealth of experience from medicine, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment. As the Founder of DEUX Project Limited and a respected investor in healthcare, hospitality, and construction, Dr. Olowolafe offered a masterclass on sustainable entrepreneurship and ethical investment. His words resonated deeply, particularly with participants eager to create businesses rooted in social impact.

“True entrepreneurship begins with the courage to solve problems,” he said. “Nigeria doesn’t just need businesspeople; it needs builders of systems, healers of broken value chains, and investors in human capital.”

One of the highlights of the forum was an interactive Question and Answer segment, where participants engaged the experts in a candid exchange of ideas, fears, and aspirations. The session revealed not only the concerns of young Lagosians but also their deep yearning for mentorship and inclusion.

A participant from Mushin CDA, Nurudeen Ogbara, asked: “How do we lead in a society where corruption and shortcuts seem to be the norm?”

Oke responded with conviction: “That’s exactly why forums like this exist. You can’t wait for the system to fix itself. You start by being the anomaly — the one who chooses truth over trend. Over time, integrity attracts influence, and influence drives change.”

Another youth from Surulere, Sunday Adedokun, raised a question on economic survival: “What if I have ideas but no capital — how do I begin as an entrepreneur?”

Dr. Olowolafe answered: “Start with solving a problem in your immediate environment, even on a small scale. Value creates capital. And don’t underestimate partnerships; collaboration is often more powerful than capital.”

In response to a question on how to stand out in a saturated job market, Adeoye advised: “Package your uniqueness. Your story, your values, your skills — that’s your brand. Whether you’re looking for a job or starting a business, how you present yourself can set you apart.”

Over the course of the two-month program, the forum featured workshops, breakout sessions, mentorship discussions, and leadership simulations. Topics ranged from conflict resolution and decision-making to civic engagement and social enterprise.

For many participants, the forum was nothing short of transformative. “I used to think leadership was something far away — something you wait for,” said 19-year-old Kehinde Afolabi from Ifako-Ijaiye. “But now I see it’s a mindset and a responsibility I carry now, even as a student and a volunteer in my CDA.”

The Lagos Indicator Leadership Forum was more than an event; it was a platform for awakening, connecting Lagos’s diverse young minds to seasoned mentors who are actively shaping Nigeria’s economic and moral landscape. Organisers hinted at future editions and possible expansions into other states.

As Lagos continues to navigate the complexities of urban growth and youth engagement, initiatives like the Indicator Leadership Forum offer a much-needed antidote to apathy and disillusionment, lighting the path for the next generation to rise as visionaries, reformers, and responsible nation-builders.