“Pursue Passion With Purpose,” Folagade Banks Tells Youths At Lagos Inspiration Programme

According to Ireporter Online, popular skit maker and actor Folagade Banks participated in a youth empowerment event organised by the Noella Foundation in Lagos. The programme, themed “Inspiring the Next Generation,” also featured the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, and other prominent figures, drawing young Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to share experiences and gain insights from accomplished professionals.

The Noella Foundation, established by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his wife Layal Tinubu, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young Nigerians through mentorship, education, and capacity-building initiatives. The foundation also implements outreach programmes focusing on child welfare, youth empowerment, and community development nationwide.

During the event, Folagade Banks, whose real name is Abiri Tobi Festus, recounted his journey to success, encouraging young Nigerians to pursue their passions with determination and resilience. Banks shared anecdotes of travelling from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife to Lagos for small acting gigs, emphasising that his pursuit was driven by purpose rather than financial gain. He highlighted how consistency allowed him to evolve from his popular “Mama Deola” character into a versatile performer capable of portraying a wide range of roles.

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan underscored the importance of storytelling and cultural preservation, advising young filmmakers to remain authentic while innovating. The Minister for Youth Development, represented by a senior official, lauded the Noella Foundation for creating platforms that inspire and equip youths, noting that collaborations between government and private initiatives are critical in tackling youth unemployment and fostering creativity as a driver for national development.

The programme concluded with an interactive session where participants engaged with speakers on practical strategies to leverage opportunities in creative and entrepreneurial sectors.