‘Integrity, not shortcuts, will rebuild Nigeria’s Economy’

By Adejoke Adeleye

Convener of the Mentor with Abidemi Initiative, Abidemi Adeyemi, has urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace integrity, discipline, patience and personal responsibility as essential ingredients for rebuilding the nation’s economy and restoring its moral values.

Speaking at the third edition of the mentorship programme, themed “Developing Good Character, Integrity, Discipline and Responsibility,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Adeyemi said Nigeria’s challenges cannot be solved through blame or excuses but by citizens taking responsibility for their actions.

The event attracted youths from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, as well as stakeholders and sponsors from the event planning industry, including Elegants Events UK/Nigeria, LOMS and other organisations.

Adeyemi lamented what she described as the growing obsession with wealth at the expense of character, warning that integrity and moral values have steadily declined in homes, communities and even religious institutions.

According to her, many young people have developed an unhealthy sense of entitlement, expecting rewards without making meaningful contributions to society.

“We are used to blaming people whenever things go wrong. We blame the economy, the government and other people instead of taking responsibility. I want people to leave here knowing they can become better people. When we do better things, we can build a better country for ourselves,” she said.

She urged participants to remain committed to honesty and good character, stressing that it is better to belong to the minority of upright people than to gain popularity through dishonest means.

Adeyemi also encouraged youths to cultivate patience, accountability and discipline while trusting God for success, noting that lasting achievements are built on consistency rather than shortcuts.

Drawing lessons from previous editions of the mentorship programme, she advised participants to learn to say “no” when necessary instead of seeking to please everyone, warning them against allowing negative influences to shape their lives.

“Don’t become muddy water that absorbs every form of corruption,” she cautioned.

Expressing optimism about the future of the initiative, Adeyemi said the annual programme was designed to raise responsible citizens capable of transforming their families, communities and the nation.

“I want Mentor with Abidemi to become an annual platform that keeps making people better every year. As we continue learning and growing together, we will become better spouses, better professionals and better citizens. When individuals improve, Ogun State and Nigeria will also become better,” she said.

She further appealed to Nigerian youths to remain resilient despite the country’s economic challenges, revealing plans to support committed young entrepreneurs with start-up opportunities.

However, she decried the growing trend of beneficiaries of empowerment programmes diverting business support funds to luxury purchases instead of investing in sustainable ventures.

“It is discouraging when some youths use empowerment funds to buy cars because they believe they have arrived. We want to identify and support young people who are willing to invest, build businesses and create lasting value,” she said.

Adeyemi maintained that character, integrity and responsible leadership remain the bedrock of national development, urging young Nigerians to become agents of positive change capable of restoring hope for a better future.