The evening segment of the Youth Opportunity Summit 2025 featured a dynamic and highly engaging panel session titled “Opportunities and You,” moderated by the convener, Hajia Hauwa Liman.

Setting the tone for the conversation, Hajia Liman urged young people to see the session as “a mirror, a wake-up call, and a challenge,” stressing that “opportunities alone do not change our lives — it is the people we associate with, how prepared we are, how we position ourselves, and how purposeful we are that truly make the difference.”

She reminded participants that they now live in “a world that moves at a speed our parents never imagine, "a world where your background no longer determines your future unless you allow it. A world where you can be relevant today and outdated tomorrow if you stop learning.”

According to her, the most powerful currency of the modern age is not money but “your mindset, your creativity, your skills, the network you build, and the courage to act.” She emphasized that the panelists were “deliberate in their choices and growth,” adding, “We are not here just to motivate you but to get you to act.”

The panel featured:

· Mrs. Edem Dorothy Ossai, Founder and Executive Director of MAYEIN

· Ms. Maijidda (Jyda) Labo Mahuta, Founder, The Healing Roots Initiative

· Dr. Samuel Ekundayo, President, COSFAN

· Amb. Olu-Ajayi Maxwell, Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Youth Development

· Mrs. Kudirat Mustapha, Director, Oyo State Ministry of Youth & Sports Development

· Mrs. Busola, development advocate

Speaking on the role of lifelong learning, Mrs. Ossai described the current era as “volatile, uncertain, and ambiguous,” urging young people to commit to learning, relearning and unlearning daily.

She warned against the mindset of hopelessness among youths: “Many of you believe you can’t make it in Nigeria. Ninety percent have written off the country. If you believe your destiny cannot flourish here, you will never see the opportunities under your nose.”

She encouraged youths to combine faith with action: “Cooperate with God by matching your faith with your efforts. There is blessing here. Address your mindset, stop chasing political offices, serve people with your skills, and you will attract value, recognition, and wealth.”

Ms. Jyda Mahuta spoke on the importance of emotional intelligence, describing it as a skill essential for navigating life, business, and relationships.

According to her, “Without emotional intelligence, your mental state will suffer, and if that isn’t in check, no matter how far you go, you can fall.”

She urged young people to pay attention to their emotions, saying: “If you are constantly angry, struggling to get along with people, or losing interest in things you usually enjoy, work on your emotional intelligence. Learn it like your life depends on it.”

Dr. Ekundayo addressed the popular belief that opportunity depends on luck, wealth, or connections. “That assumption is not correct,” he said. “I am here by grace, commitment, dedication and hard work.”

Sharing his personal journey, he noted: “I lost my father at 7, my mother at 17, and the person who was supposed to support my journey also passed. But that didn’t define me. I did my first and second degrees at UI and completed my PhD in England on scholarship.”

He emphasized that opportunity is service, explaining how volunteering shaped his rise to COSFAN leadership. His message to youth was clear: “You are responsible for whatever happens to you. Take responsibility.”

Sharing her experience, Mrs. Busola highlighted the importance of attitude, character, and resilience.

She recounted her early career: “I did my NYSC at Deloitte. Consulting was tough, but it taught me to deliver value anywhere I go.”

According to her, integrity, innovation, and consistency are crucial: “Resilience is very important. Everywhere you go, show value. It’s not just about what you can get but what you can contribute.”

She shared how volunteering in a school — despite better offers — eventually opened the door to the Mandela Washington Fellowship, proving that “the dots connect in time.”

She concluded: “Opportunities are everywhere, even on the internet. They often come wrapped as problems. Think value, serve genuinely, and remember — nobody is coming to save you. You have to take charge of your own journey.”

Ambassador Maxwell highlighted the importance of networking, skills, and using government programmes wisely.

“When I became SA, I gathered youth leaders from different organisations and took them on a tour of ministries so they could see opportunities for themselves.”

He cautioned that many youths expect quick success: “This generation wants everything on a platter of gold. It doesn’t work that way.”

He urged youths to build personal development, embrace integrity, and look beyond instant rewards.

Speaking on opportunities in Oyo State, Mrs. Mustapha stated: “We have many youth empowerment programmes — trainings, skill acquisition, development initiatives — but young people must make judicious use of them.”

She urged youths to avoid substance abuse and stay focused on growth.

Closing the session, Hajia Liman thanked the panelists and left the youth with a final message:

“You don’t need to know anybody to reach the peak. Commit to lifelong learning. Commit to service. Purposeful living is crucial. Build the right network around you — one that will shape you positively.”