DEEP CONVO 2.0: “STOP BEGGING FOR MONEY ” -OGUNLAYI CHARGES YOUTHS
..... RATHER SEEK PARTNERSHIP, CONNECTIONS THAT WILL ELEVATE YOU
By Itoro Ekwere
The Director General of Ekiti State Roads Fund, Mrs.Folu Ogunlayi, on Saturday in a detailed message to Ekiti youths at the 2nd Edition of DEEP CONVO, an initiative organized by the Office of the Technical Advisor on Youth Inclusion, Hon. Ayò Òjó in Ado Ekiti.
The theme “Youth Inclusion: A Driver for Social Cohesion, Active Participation, and Economic Development” brought together young minds, industry leaders, and policymakers for an engaging discourse on youth empowerment at La Granita Hotel and Suites.
In her speech, Mrs. Ogunlayi declared that “youthful age places you between greatness and failure.”She emphasized that decisions made during this critical phase can either propel an individual to success or lead to lifelong regrets.
“Many lives depend on your success,” she stated.”Any seed you sow now, you will harvest in your old age.”
She urged young people, especially ladies, to guard their health and self-image, noting, “The way you dress is the way you will be addressed.”
The DG posed a critical question to attendees: “What is in your hands?” She explained that the value they offer—whether in goods or services—will determine the quality of their network and opportunities.
“Stop begging for money; instead, seek partnerships and connections that will elevate you,” she advised.
She also highlighted the power of visibility, encouraging youths to leverage social media, stay focused on their vision, and build a community of like-minded, growth-driven individuals.
Corroborating her submissions, the Technical Advisor Hon.Ayo Ojo stressed that the Ekiti state governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has made it a priority to devise various means to improve the lives of its youths through meaningful engagements, empowerment programs, and innovation schemes, and urged the youths to harness the opportunities thereof.
From the Youth Inclusion office, which he supervises, many youths have been discovered and moulded into champions doing exploits, calling on others to join the train with a visit to the office domiciled in the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti.
The event featured high-profile speakers who dropped invaluable knowledge including Engr. Samuel Kayode CEO, QUANTUMAI AI Innovations–who deals majorly in the conversion of vehicles from Petrol to Gas (Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to fuel, urging youths to embrace sustainable energy solutions and tap into the trend.
Mr. Dan Williams, a business relationship coach, shared essential business registration tips and the right mindset for productivity in the corporate world.
Mr. Favour Adeshina Ekiti Co-ordinator for 3MTT Nigeria stressed the importance of technology in business growth and encouraged participants to key into the Federal Government’s 3MTT-NITDA program for skill development.
Participants expressed immense satisfaction with the event, commending the organizers for fostering youth-driven conversations that inspire action and growth.
With such impactful discussions, DEEP CONVO continues to solidify its place as a must-attend platform for Ekiti’s aspiring leaders and changemakers.
