Nigerian youths urged to embrace hard work, creativity as guiding principles for success

Babajide Kolade Otitolu, a media personality and the current director of News TVC, has advised Nigerian youths to embrace hard work, diligence, creativity, and integrity as guiding principles for success, saying that young people must strive to stand out positively. He noted that they are naturally creative and endowed with fertile minds, and that with hard work, honesty and respect for values, they can achieve greatness

Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the award at the 2026 Ekirin-Adde Annual Festival recently, Otitoju expressed deep appreciation for the honour, describing it as a memorable milestone in his life.

“I am truly happy for this honour done to me by my community. Interestingly, the planning committee kept the award a secret until a few weeks before the festival. This recognition means so much to me, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life,” he said.

He commended the leadership of the Ekirin-Adde Development Association, particularly its national president, as well as traditional rulers in the community for finding him worthy of the award, which is given to only one person annually.

Otitoju noted that his efforts over the years have been geared toward fostering unity, peace, and sustainable development within the community.

“Progress and development cannot be achieved where people are working in opposite directions.

“Our people have come to realise that unity is key, and when we are united and focused, the sky is our starting point,” he said.

He urged indigenes, especially those in the diaspora, to remain committed to the growth of their hometown by contributing meaningfully to its development.

According to him, the recently launched N750 million naira development fund is aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs within the community, including education and road rehabilitation.

“Our secondary school requires urgent infrastructural support to improve the quality of education. Some subjects still lack teachers, and there are roads within the community that need rehabilitation.

“Individuals can take up such projects as part of their contributions,” Otitoju said.

He stressed that government alone cannot meet all developmental needs, calling on citizens to complement government efforts.

“We cannot leave everything to the government because resources are limited. As responsible citizens and indigenes, we must support efforts to develop our community”.

Advising Nigerian youths, Otitoju encouraged them to embrace hard work, diligence, creativity, and integrity as guiding principles for success.

“Young people must strive to stand out positively. They are naturally creative and endowed with fertile minds. With hard work, honesty, and respect for values, they can achieve greatness,” he advised.

He also called for renewed respect for cultural values, noting that many young people are gradually losing touch with their heritage.

“It is important to honour our culture and preserve our family values. These ideals are essential wherever we find ourselves,” he said.

Otitoju further urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots, organise regular meetings, and channel their resources toward community development.

“The development of our community should remain our collective goal. We must always think about what we can do to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

The Ekirin-Adde Grand Star Award is widely regarded as the community’s most prestigious honour, reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to its unity and development.