Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said President Bola Tinubu brought him into government in his 30s, recalling how the President created opportunities for young professionals to contribute ideas, challenge existing practices and develop their leadership skills.

Sanwo-Olu made this known while speaking at the Seyi Tinubu 41st Birthday Colloquium held in Lagos on Monday.

In a post on X after the event, the governor said Tinubu’s decision to involve young professionals in governance helped create opportunities for leadership development and growth.

“When HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought me into government in my 30s, his cabinet was filled with young professionals willing to challenge ideas and push boundaries. He gave us room to debate and grow. That is how leaders are made,” he wrote.

Sanwo-Olu urged young Nigerians to participate actively in governance, noting that decisions affecting their lives were often made at community meetings, ward meetings and budget hearings.

“To our young people, I say keep showing up. Decisions that affect your lives are made at community meetings, ward meetings and budget hearings. Get your voter card, participate and take your place in shaping the future,” he said.

The governor also encouraged young people to acquire valuable skills and pursue excellence in their chosen fields. He further urged Nigerians living abroad to maintain their connections with the country and contribute to the development of their communities.

“Master a skill, whatever you choose to do. Work at it until you become so good at what you do that your ability speaks for itself,” he said.

Reflecting on Lagos State’s infrastructure development, Sanwo-Olu cited the Blue Line rail project as an example of how major projects could take decades and the contributions of successive administrations to become a reality.

“The Blue Line, first conceived in 1983, became a reality 40 years later through the efforts of successive administrations. That tells us that some of the most important things we start today may be completed by those who come after us,” he said.

The governor, who has a professional background in surveying and banking, said his experience had shaped his understanding of planning and development. He added that the colloquium provided an opportunity to discuss Lagos State’s achievements and the work that remained to be done.

As he prepares to leave office in the coming months, Sanwo-Olu said his administration hoped to complete projects inherited from previous governments, initiate new ones for future administrations to continue and establish a strong foundation for subsequent generations.

“As I prepare to hand over the reins in a few months, my hope is that we finish what others started, begin work that others can continue and leave behind a solid foundation for those who come after us,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also called on members of his generation to mentor younger Nigerians, employ young talent and create opportunities for the next generation to take up leadership positions.