The commissioner in charge of the ministry, Mobolaji Ogunlende, made the appeal at the 2024 Youth Leadership Conference Turning Point 5.0 with the theme “Mindshift,” held on Saturday in Ade Ajayi Auditorium Hall, UNILAG, Lagos.
The event was organised by Superior Performance Global Network and had no fewer than 3,000 participants comprising students and youths across the state.
Ogunlende described a mindshift as a fundamental change in perspective or mindset, often characterised by a shift from negative or limiting beliefs to positive and empowering ones.
He said, “Mindshift is all about breaking free from the constraints of our own minds and embracing a more expansive and optimistic view of the world.
“It is a measure that can help us youths to unlock our full potential and create brighter, more prosperous future and even for the generations to come.
“Cultivating a positive mindset empowers us to overcome obstacles, pursue our goals with confidence and create a life filled with meaning and fulfilment.
“It is also important to note that mindset is not fixed; it’s something that can be developed and strengthened over time, through consistency, effort, and practice.
“We can train our brains to see the world in a more positive and empowering light.
Speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, who lauded SPGN for the conference, urged the participants to maximise the benefits.
Akinyemi, represented by Mrs Oluyinka Oye-Bamgbose, Director, Partnership, noted that the ministry, established with the vision to be an enabling institution that creates sustainable wealth for Lagos citizens, was glad to be identified with the initiative.
“Our programmes and initiatives are specifically youth-focused: mindset re-orientation, graduate internship placement, job fair, mentorship programmes, business support, training for tradesmen and artisans,” he added.
Earlier, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the keynote speaker at the conference, called on Nigerian youths to challenge their present state, extract valuable lessons from failures, seek inspiration, set goals, and embrace curiosity to create possibilities.
Ighodalo said that the measure would go a long way towards having an impactful positive influence, enabling them to cultivate their mindset and help to attain their full potential.
“Recognise your current mindset; reflect on your behaviour, thoughts, and ideas; are they productive? Are you happy and satisfied where you are?
“Be open-minded and make yourself teachable, available to inspiring people,” he advised.
According to Olusegun Odufuwa, convener of the conference, developing the right sense of adaptability and follow-up thinking is essential to creating new possibilities.
“The theme ‘Mindshift’ is a theme that resonates deeply with the spirit of innovation, resilience, and growth that define the youth of today.
“In a world wrapped with change and challenges, the ability to embrace change to challenge conventional wisdom and envision new possibilities is what sets true leaders apart.
“And it is precisely this spirit of leadership that we are beginning to foster from today in the course of interactive sessions and from inspiring speakers who have carved out their ways to success.
“Together, we will explore how we can harvest the power of our might to effect possible changes in our communities, our societies and the world at large.”
Other speakers at the event included Peter Ajayi, representative of Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kate Adesomoju, Founder, of Spectrum Holding and Spectrum Innovation Technologies, amongst others.
(NAN)
