The Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Dr Demola Sogunle, has urged Nigerian youths to prioritise every opportunity they have in their life endeavours.
Sogunle said in his keynote address at the bank’s Youth Leadership Series 2024, held at the University of Lagos, with the theme ‘The Growth Code: Unlocking the Secrets and Strategies to Personal and Professional Success’.
While sharing his nuggets with the participants, Sogunle advised them not to put anything above learning.
He said, “Do not stop learning, continuous learning can only get you to continuous growth. Whatever it costs, knowledge and application of knowledge will get you to where you are.”
He also challenged the youths to prioritise core values like punctuality and credibility, tasking them to exhibit model behaviour which he likened to the values of the financial institution.
“You start a journey with an end in mind. A school certificate is not the issue, but the knowledge you have been able to extract and subscribe to string values.
“You cannot make a change with fundamental behaviour. Punctuality is crucial to the success of a business. You need to know when and how to balance your life to achieve professional success. Also, learn to prioritise your mental health because it aids a great balance in your career,” he said.
Speaking during a panel session, a Nollywood actress, Bisola Ayoola, shared several challenges she faced in her career that became a stepping stone for her trajectory.
“One mistake I have learnt from was that I was very entitled. I knew I could sing and I was waiting for record labels to sign me but I realised that the entitlement mentality would not work. Shyness will hinder you from greatness. You have to constantly prove yourself. Try to put your mind to what you want to do,” she advised.
Also speaking on how to monetise social media, a freelance content creator, Salem King, urged young content creators to prioritise their audience and ensure it enhances their lives.
“You also need to keep in mind that content creation is not charity work. So, always put your audience in mind and create things that add value to their lives,” he said.
