As Nigeria continues its march toward a more inclusive and digitally driven economy, thought leaders and investors are emphasizing the need to harness the potential of young people in shaping national development. This message came into sharp focus during the Pre-Investor Forum held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, convened by President Mojisola of Woodhall Capital.
The exclusive event brought together an influential mix of investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, all aligned around a shared goal — building a stronger, more resilient economic future for Nigeria through collaboration and strategic investment. Among the notable attendees was Oladotun Ajayi, a health and development policy advocate, 2023 Diana Award recipient, and LinkedIn Top Voice, who has earned recognition for his work in democratizing opportunities for young people across Africa.
Reflecting on the forum, Ajayi described the experience as both inspiring and deeply affirming of Nigeria’s progress toward inclusive economic growth. Discussions during the event explored how private sector investment, innovative policy frameworks, and intergenerational collaboration can accelerate transformation in critical sectors such as healthcare, technology, and sustainable development.
“It was an inspiring convergence of investors, policymakers, and innovators dedicated to shaping a stronger economic future for Nigeria,” Ajayi said. “But one message stood out to me — the future cannot be built without the active involvement of young voices.”
He underscored the importance of recognizing youth not just as beneficiaries of policy but as active participants and partners in shaping national direction. According to Ajayi, Nigeria’s youthful population — one of the largest in the world — holds the creativity, agility, and digital-first mindset needed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and real-world impact.
“Our generation brings a new way of thinking that can make governance and economic growth more adaptive and relevant,” he added. “When young people are engaged in conversations that shape economic direction, policies become more human, more innovative, and more future-ready.”
The Pre-Investor Forum also spotlighted the evolving relationship between government and private investors, emphasizing the shared responsibility to create environments that foster innovation, reduce barriers to entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable job creation.
Ajayi praised the organizers for deliberately providing a platform where emerging changemakers could connect with industry leaders and policymakers, noting that such inclusion is vital for bridging Nigeria’s leadership and innovation gaps.
“I left the forum deeply inspired by how stakeholders are intentionally creating room for the next generation of changemakers,” he said. “Nigeria’s progress depends not just on capital, but on inclusive investment in people, ideas, and leadership.”
He concluded on an optimistic note, expressing pride in a generation that is no longer waiting for permission to lead.
“The work continues, and I’m proud to be part of a generation that’s not waiting for permission to build the future.”
The Pre-Investor Forum serves as a precursor to a larger Investor Forum aimed at aligning Nigeria’s development priorities with global capital flows. It reflects a growing commitment among leaders and institutions to design inclusive growth models that tap into the energy and innovation of young Nigerians — the nation’s most powerful asset.
