In an active effort to ignite the flames of entrepreneurship among the younger generation, experts from various fields converged at the Custodian Mentors Conference 2023 held in Lagos last week. This remarkable event not only emphasized the imperative of transforming talents into thriving business ventures but also underscored the potential of such initiatives in contributing to job creation and economic prosperity in Nigeria.
The conference brought forth insights from seasoned experts who shared their knowledge on sustaining existing businesses amidst the challenges posed by the operating environment. With the global financial market undergoing turbulence, the discussions were particularly relevant, serving as a beacon of hope for young individuals aiming to chart their own paths in the realm of business and career.
Mr. Wole Oshin, the visionary Group Managing Director and Founder of Custodian Investment Plc, passionately encouraged the youth to cultivate unwavering determination in pursuing their dreams. He emphasized the pivotal role of having a reliable mentor, someone who can guide and illuminate the path to success. Addressing the participants, he emphasized, “As mentees, you are privileged to have these mentors here with you, so learn from them. What we did was to try our luck, but with determination, we have been able to get to where we are.”
He also urged attendees to be cautious in choosing their mentors, especially in the age of social media where both positive and negative influencers abound. Oshin’s aspiration is to nurture a powerful future where the nation’s economy is steered by those who were once mentored through platforms like these conferences.
Renowned lawyer and entrepreneur, Mrs. Seyi Banigbe, echoed the sentiment of believing in oneself and wholeheartedly pursuing individual talents. Despite the challenges on the road to success, Banigbe implored young people to remain steadfast, relying on their convictions to guide them. She asserted, “Embrace your logo (yourself), you are unique, learn to embrace yourself and own your space.” Her advice encompassed the essence of self-discovery and valuing personal growth, urging participants to cultivate a burning passion for their chosen paths.
Chukwuma (Chico) Augwekwe, the Group Programme Director of Classic FM, enlightened participants on the significance of constant learning and mentorship for business and career advancement. Augwekwe emphasized the importance of observance and adapting to changing environments. He urged, “Be observant and learn from the mistakes of your predecessors. Be hardworking, believe in yourself, follow your dream.”
Celebrity Photographer T.Y Bello delivered a resounding call to action, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to harness the power of positivity and the abundance of online resources. Bello highlighted the potential of perception in molding a successful life, stating, “The things that surround you, that come out of you and the people that you engage with all the time, will change the quality of life you are going to have.”
The Custodian Mentors Conference 2023 breathed life into the aspirations of young Nigerians, offering not just guidance but a profound sense of possibility. The event stands as a testament to the immense potential of mentorship, education, and collective determination in reshaping the nation’s economic future through the prowess of its youth.
