In a powerful address at the first Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Annual Lecture Series, Governor Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth, calling them the nation’s greatest asset. He urged young Nigerians to rise to the challenge and lead the country into an era marked by economic stability, innovation, and inclusive growth.
The lecture, held at the prestigious Lagos Business School, focused on the theme “Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building.” It was part of Cardoso’s broader Knowledge Acceleration and Thought Leadership Initiative, aimed at strengthening public understanding of monetary policy and fostering a more inclusive financial system.
The Future of Nigeria Lies with Its Youth
Cardoso made a compelling case for the critical role of young Nigerians in shaping the future of the country. “Nigeria’s most important asset is its next generation,” he said. “You, the emerging cohort of scholars, professionals, and civic actors, are not merely participants in this dialogue; you are its very subject.”
He pointed out that over half of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 30, with a national median age of 18. This demographic reality positions Nigeria as one of the youngest nations globally, with an abundance of untapped human capital ready to drive the country forward. “Such demographic indices place Nigeria not only among the youngest polities but also amongst those most richly endowed with prospective human capital,” Cardoso added.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Economy Through Innovation
The CBN Governor also discussed the recent economic strides made under his leadership. He pointed to policy tightening measures that successfully reduced inflation from nearly 35% to approximately 20%, while also boosting the nation’s GDP by 4.2% in the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, external reserves have surged past $42 billion, with capital flows and investor confidence beginning to rebound.
Cardoso emphasized that restoring credibility in monetary policy, including halting the CBN’s direct financing of the government and unifying exchange rate windows, had been instrumental in stabilising the naira and improving Nigeria’s sovereign credit ratings.
Rebuilding National Pride and Confidence
Cardoso also touched on the reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, which he hailed as a significant step in rebuilding national pride. “That project went far beyond restoring a physical structure. It was about restoring pride in what it means to be Nigerian,” he remarked.
He further discussed the importance of reputation, both at the national and international levels, as a key asset for any nation. While acknowledging the harsh realities faced by many Nigerians, he stressed the need for balanced constructive criticism that does not erode the country’s credibility. “When a nation’s reputation falters, confidence weakens, but when it is rebuilt, opportunities multiply,” Cardoso explained.
In his closing remarks, Cardoso urged the younger generation to embrace digital innovation and evidence-based decision-making. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s policymakers, entrepreneurs, and central bankers,” he said. “You must be ready not just to inherit leadership but to transform it.”
