Politics
Atedo Peterside Urges Young Nigerians to Standout in their Business Pursuit + Take an interest in politics
… Eulogises Hamzat Lawal’s Success at 35

The Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank + President & Founder, Anap Foundation, Mr. Atedo Peterside, has charged Nigerian youths to renew their commitment towards excellence that can make them stand out in their personal and business pursuits thereby earning them pride of place among exceptional Nigerians that have contributed to the nation’s development. He however argued that they must do this simultaneously with taking an interest in the economy plus influencing the political destiny of Nigeria.
The erudite investment banker, entrepreneur, and economist made this admonition while delivering a keynote speech at the ‘’Hamzat Lawal at 35″ lecture in Abuja, on Saturday, March 12, 2022.
According to Peterside, ‘’Young Nigerians can rise to be recognised in their businesses, academics, politics, and other works of life if they have the strong determination to do so’’, even as he cited the exceptional case of the celebrant, Hamzat Lawal, Founder, Connected Development (CODE), and a GoNigeria advocate, as one of the inspirational stories worthy of commendation and emulation by Nigerian youths.
This is the position of Atedo Peterside, who with the support of some eminent Nigerians is currently powering an enlightenment campaign on youths’ participation in the country’s electoral process, themed GoNigeria. It is a campaign to sensitize Nigerian youths to participate in the electoral process leading to the election of visionary leaders by registering en-masse to vote and collecting their voter’s cards in preparation for voting for visionary candidates in the 2023 general elections. Mr Peterside said, in spite of the undeniable harsh economic climate in Nigeria, there still abound immense opportunities for Nigerian youths to stand out in whatever field young individuals resolve to play in as typified by the sterling example of Hamzat Lawal.
During his remark which he titled ‘’A Call to Action’’, Peterside pointed out to the audience which was mainly a youth-target audience that there is no place for sentiments in business while drawing from his own personal IBTC/Stanbic IBTC story, from its evolution thirty-three years ago to its present status as one of the leading financial institutions in the country. He urged youthful entrepreneurs to invest in themselves and their own businesses. Drawing from his own personal succession experience and lessons, the current business environment, and how to make it work for you, Mr. Peterside listed familiar challenges of growing a business and common mistakes that hinder growth. He then drew attention to some worsening socio-economic indicators and told youths to respond to falling living standards by reversing voter apathy and replacing that with enthusiasm and an eagerness to participate in elections and vote only competent persons into political offices.
In his address, while drawing a similar analogy between his personal success story as one of the youngest bank Chief Executive at 33 years of age and that of Hamzat Lawal, Peterside emphasized Lawal’s exemplary achievements at age 35, affirming that the young activist has over 9 years of experience, backed by grassroots involvement in other African countries, via Connected Development’s (CODE) “Follow the Money” initiative.
He pointed out that Lawal’s NGO is dedicated to helping the African continent attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering marginalised communities in Africa, and better engagement of government for the implementation of public services. Also, the technology-based initiative termed “Follow the Money” is an action advocacy-based scheme that advocates for proper utilization of funds in government, and international interventions in grassroots communities.
The budding entrepreneur also shared insightful vignettes on attaining personal and business growth that can propel the Nigerian youths to the lofty pedestals in their chosen field of endeavours during the event which was highly applauded by the participants.
Corroborating Peterside’s position during the event, His Excellency Kayode Fayemi, Executive Governor of Ekiti State who also delivered a keynote speech, urged the Nigerian youths to use the power of their numbers to take decisive and collective action in redefining their future.
According to Fayemi, ‘’There is always a pressing business of the day that must be done today, Nigerian youths must be ready to take decisive and collective action on the leadership across all the tiers of government that can deliver their Nigerian dreams.’’
Commenting further, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum stressed that deliberate action of getting involved in the political process and politics of governance is the solution that the Nigerian youths can deploy to effect the necessary changes to end their agitations against the incessant strikes by the Academics Staff Union of Universities [ASUU], EndSARS, fuel, and power outages that have pathologically delivered slower pace of national development as well as militate against a better Nigeria for the Nigerian youths.
Other participants at the event included Her Excellency, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; and other Nigerians of the youth demographic such as Amina Salihu, MacArthur Foundation; Dr. Halimah Nuhu Sanda, ROMZAIB Foundation; Bella Anne Ndubuisi, Public Affairs Specialist; Maryam Laushi, Not Too Young To Run Movement; Rinsola Abiola, Derinsola Abiola Foundation; and Chioma Agwuegbo of TechHer,
GoNigeria is an initiative of Anap Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to promoting good governance in Nigeria. Anap Foundation is partnering with enlightened celebrities (GoAmbassadors), corporate bodies eager to support the initiative via co-branding (GoPartners) as well as many enthusiastic young volunteers (GoVolunteers) who will help to amplify the messaging to their age mates, towards ensuring a huge success is attained in encouraging the youths to register and vote en-masse in the 2023 General Elections. Hamzat Lawal is one of 18 Initial Advocates of the GoNigeria Movement who are drawn from all the 6 geopolitical zones (3 from each zone).
To know more about Anap Foundation’s GoNigeria Initiative, visit: www.GoNigeria.com
Politics
Ward Tour: Akeweje Flags Off Cash Support for Widows, Older People in Oro Ward 2
•Says 800 widows and older people across Irepodun LGA will benefit
The aspirant for Irepodun Constituency in the forthcoming 2027 Kwara State House of Assembly election, Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi, has taken his ward tour to Oro Ward 2 in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, where he flagged off his N10,000 cash support initiative for widows and older people.Akeweje, who was warmly welcomed by stakeholders, APC faithful, and supporters, distributed N10,000 cash support each to about 50 widows and older people present, noting that the initiative would benefit 800 widows and older people across wards in Irepodun LGA.Speaking to stakeholders and APC faithful in Oro Ward 2, Akeweje first appreciated them for welcoming him to their midst, after which he unveiled his plans for Irepodun and urged them to support his ambition to represent the constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly so that he can actualise the plans.“Our beloved Irepodun deserves quality representation and purposeful leadership that will facilitate development projects for our constituency, empower our hardworking youth and women, offer employment opportunities to our graduates, and support our older people, including widows.“All these are achievable under purposeful leadership. This is why I am seeking your full support to represent Irepodun at the Kwara State House of Assembly in 2027. Together, let us build a stronger and more united Irepodun where every ward and community has a voice and benefits from responsive and accountable representation,” Akeweje said.The stakeholders and party faithful present took turns to commend Akeweje for his vision for Irepodun Constituency. They also appreciated him for the cash support he offered to widows and older people in the ward and wished him success in the forthcoming APC State House of Assembly primaries.
Politics
2027: Lagos Lawmaker Secures Apex Leaders’ Endorsement
Ahead of the party primaries scheduled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election, leaders in Eti-Osa, Lagos, have endorsed a lawmaker, Noheem Adams, as consensus the Lagos State House of Assembly.Adams, representing Eti-Osa Constituency 1, is the Majority Leader of the Lagos Assembly.In three different letters addressed to the APC Secretariat and leadership of the party in Lagos, the leaders and residents indicated their trust in the lawmaker’s ability to galvanise residents for success. They also affirmed what they described as his effective representation and loyalty to the party and people of his constituency.One of the letters dated March 26, 2026 and signed by 26 leaders including Engr. Murphy Adetoro (member, Governance Advisory Council) and Alhaji Raheem Alli, Apex Leader, Eti-Osa East LCDA, notified the party that Adams had been unanimously picked as the consensus candidate for the constituency.In the letter with the title: ‘Notification On Our Consensus Candidate In Eti-osa Constituency I’, the leaders said: “We, the combined body of the All Progressives Congress, Central Working Committee, (CWC) and Apex Leaders in Eti-Osa Constituency I, are pleased to notify you of our consensus candidate for the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly elections in Eti-Osa Constituency I.”It is instructive that after careful deliberation and review of his performance in office, we have unanimously endorsed Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams as our candidate.”The letter said Adams had demonstrated proven leadership and delivered visible results, “earning him the trust and admiration of our community.”His commitment to constituent engagement, responsive governance, and community development has made a tangible impact on our constituency. We are convinced that his re-election will consolidate our gains and drive further progress.”We urge the party leadership to ratify our consensus and ensure a smooth path for Hon. Adams’ candidature. This is important as we need a united front and enough planning time to prepare well for the elections of our president, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and other elective positions.In another letter sent to the Lagos APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, 16 ward and LGA chairmen in Eti-Osa confirmed the decision of the Central Working Committee in Eti-Osa on the adoption of Adams as consensus candidate.”We are convinced that with Hon. Noheem Adams as standard bearer, APC shall secure a landslide victory across all elective positions in Eti-Osa Constituency 1 in 2027.”This is a project we have adopted as our own, and we pledge to deploy all structures, influence, and electoral machinery for its total success.Meanwhile, the Lekki Residents Association, through its President, Alhaji Sulyman Bello, and executive members, have promised to mobilise support for Noheem Adams.In another letter to the Lagos APC chairman, the association promised to ensure massive votes for the party because of their support for Adams, who had been a pillar of support to the residents.
Politics
Zamfara APC Congress: Gov. Lawal Declares Strong Political Base Key to Government Strength
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has declared that the effectiveness of any administration is directly dependent on the strength and unity of its political foundation.The Governor made the statement on Saturday while participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) state congress held at the Trade Fair ground in Gusau. According to a press release from his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the event saw 745 delegates from 147 wards across the state’s 14 local government areas elect a new State Executive Committee via consensus.The process was overseen by a congress committee led by Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who affirmed the newly elected Chairman and other party officials.In his remarks, Governor Lawal described the congress as both timely and strategic, calling it a defining moment for consolidating the party’s structures and strengthening internal democracy.“Today’s process—culminating in the election, affirmation, and swearing-in of new State Executives—is a critical exercise that reinforces the credibility, transparency, and legitimacy of our party at the grassroots and state levels,” Lawal said.He expressed gratitude to the national APC leadership for their guidance and specifically thanked the congress committee, led by Dr. Balarabe, for their professionalism and integrity.“Today is about renewing commitment to our party’s ideals: unity, discipline, inclusiveness, and service,” the Governor added. “We know a government’s strength depends on its political base. A united, disciplined party offers a solid platform for governance and growth.”Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforms in security, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. He expressed confidence that the newly elected leaders would serve with integrity and purpose, urging them to view their positions as a call to service, responsibility, and accountability.In his acceptance speech, the newly elected APC Chairman for Zamfara State, Hon. Kabiru Moyi B/Magaji, pledged to enhance internal democracy and foster unity within the party.
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