The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has called for stronger alignment between public policy and private capital to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s youth population.
Obasa made the call on Monday, October 12, 2026, while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the inaugural Seyi Tinubu Colloquium at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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Speaking on the theme, “Shaping the Future Together,” the Speaker said the inclusion of young people in decision-making and economic opportunities had become an urgent necessity rather than a political favour.
He argued that Nigeria could not achieve sustainable prosperity while excluding young people from shaping the country’s future.
Obasa also challenged business leaders, policymakers, technology entrepreneurs and media executives to see young Nigerians as potential partners in enterprise development rather than merely consumers.
He urged private companies to move beyond conventional corporate social responsibility initiatives and increase investment in early-stage businesses, mentorship programmes and innovation hubs.
According to him, such investments would deliver lasting results when supported by public policies that encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and economic participation.
The Speaker highlighted the role of the Lagos State House of Assembly in promoting youth development and entrepreneurship through initiatives aimed at expanding digital literacy and supporting technology-driven businesses.
He cited the Lagos State Wealth Fund and ongoing work on the Lagos Innovation Bill as examples of policy frameworks intended to complement private investment and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Obasa commended Seyi Tinubu for establishing the colloquium, describing the platform as an opportunity to strengthen engagement between generations and encourage collaboration among stakeholders in national development.
He said the success of the initiative should ultimately be measured by practical outcomes, including stronger public-private partnerships and increased investment in opportunities for young Nigerians, rather than speeches alone.
The Seyi Tinubu Colloquium is an annual platform designed to promote national development through collaboration between the public and private sectors, with a focus on leadership, patriotism, innovation, enterprise and cross-generational engagement.
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Its inaugural edition brought together business leaders, policymakers and emerging innovators to discuss strategies for economic self-reliance, technological inclusion and sustainable national development.
