By Kenneth Oboh

While most 14-year-olds are still navigating their teenage years, Rabiu Hassan Lawal was already navigating the world of business. With a vision far beyond his age and a drive rooted in creativity and passion, Rabiu’s entrepreneurial journey began in the classrooms and corridors of Funtaj International School, Abuja. And it hasn’t stopped since.

“I’ve always had an eye for art,” Rabiu recalls. “Back in Year 9, I enjoyed drawing and designing. That interest soon grew into something bigger.” Inspired by his love for visual creativity, he started buying plain T-shirts, printed them with his own unique designs, and began selling them to his schoolmates — turning his talent into profit.

The big break came during the school’s annual fun fair, a vibrant event that brought together students from different schools across the city. Rabiu set up a stand and showcased his custom shirts. The response was overwhelming. “That fun fair changed everything,” he says. “It gave my brand visibility. People started asking for more. It was the turning point.”

But Rabiu wasn’t just building a brand — he was building a movement.

At 15, he took a bold leap and co-organized a football tournament with few friends. What started as a small, community-based game quickly gained momentum. Today, that tournament has grown into the iconic Golazo Festival. Abuja’s most popular youth festivals, known for celebrating sports, music, entrepreneurship and youth innovation. Thousands attend every year, and it’s become a symbol of what young people can achieve when given a platform.

Driven by a desire to inspire others, Rabiu went on to establish the Inspire Youth Development Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers young people through entrepreneurship, leadership training and charitable initiatives. The foundation encourages the younger generation to take ownership of their futures — by building, creating and giving back.

Rabiu believes that education is much more than just academics. “School isn’t just about learning mathematics or preparing for exams,” he explains. “It’s a space where students should be encouraged to explore, build confidence, connect with people from all walks of life, and discover what drives them. That’s how you build character — and a future.”

His mission is clear: to instill the spirit of entrepreneurship in young people early. Through every initiative, from custom shirts to the Golazo Festival, Rabiu is proving that youth isn’t a barrier — it’s a launchpad.

“It’s good to start early,” Rabiu Hassan Lawal says. His journey is a shining example of just how far that early start can go.