Custodian Foundation Urges Young Nigerians to Build Lasting Impact

The Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation (CSRF) has urged young Nigerians to utilize mentorship, continuous learning, and personal discipline to create careers and ventures that generate enduring impact. This counsel was delivered during the eighth edition of the Custodian Mentors Conference in Lagos, which gathered mentors, mentees, professionals, entrepreneurs, and participants from the Foundation's mentorship programs spanning from 2018 to 2026.

Olubunmi Aderemi, the Chief Executive Officer of CSRF, stated that the Foundation remained committed to fostering the growth of young individuals while promoting sustainable social impact throughout Nigeria. She elaborated that since its establishment in 2016, the Foundation has consistently invested in health, education, community development, and sustainability, among other areas.

Examples of their efforts include the donation of a trauma center to the Federal Medical Centre in Epe, the establishment of a nursery and primary school in Benue State, and ongoing collaboration with the University of Lagos to donate a new building to the institution. Aderemi emphasized that youth development is a key component of the Foundation's activities through the Custodian Mentoring Programme (CMP), a nine-month program designed to offer structured mentorship, virtual open days, and regular engagements with experienced professionals.

Moreover, the Impact Award within the CMP recognizes mentees who achieve quantifiable outcomes during their mentorship period. Aderemi encouraged the latest cohort to make the most of the opportunities presented to them and to demonstrate measurable impact by July 2027. Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Livespot 360, Dare Art Alade, advised the mentees to move beyond their current accomplishments and to remain receptive to new prospects.

Alade encouraged young individuals to explore side projects and grasp the business opportunities related to their interests, inspired by his experience in Nigeria's creative sector. Additionally, Alade underscored the significance of reliability and resilience, asserting that failure should be considered an integral part of the learning process.

Finally, Victoria Abiola Ajayi, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TVC Communications, stressed the importance of personal development and differentiation in building prosperous careers. She highlighted that self-awareness, competence, and reputation are crucial attributes for professionals aiming to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.