Jobs/Appointments
Ecobank Forum: Basketmouth, Others Urge Youths to Pursue Passion, Not Money
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigerian youths have been advised to pursue their passion rather than money or immediate gains as the former will keep them standing to the end when the chips are down.
“I will advise them (youths) to follow their passion. Do not choose a career to impress anyone, rather let the people validate you,” a celebrated comedian, Mr Bright Okpocha, fondly known as Basketmouth, said at a special advocacy programme organised by Ecobank Nigeria to mark International Youth Day (IYD).
Basketmouth was at the event held in Lagos as one of the panellists to speak on the theme Finding Your Voice, a Career, Creativity, and Skills.
He was joined by Adeoluwa Enioluwa, a writer and public speaker; Ozinna Anumudu, an expert in fashion and branding; Jemima Osunde, an actress, model and presenter; Bankole Williams, a consultant, career coach; and Hadiza Blell, otherwise known as Di’Ja, a singer and songwriter.
Speaking further, the comedian praised Nigerian youths for being “quite enterprising,” but he advised that “if you have an idea, don’t rush at implementation, sit down with it, put down the structures before you make a move.”
He also counselled them that the driving force for choice of career should not be a financial inducement, fame or immediate gains but passion, stressing that it was the clear way to find a voice, achieve focus and desired career goal.
The other speakers unanimously urged youths not to be desperate but pursue careers they are happy with and “be ready to work hard at it as that is the only way to have your voice heard,” reiterating that there was “no room” for laziness, as bills have no respect for persons.”
Earlier, the Head of Direct Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Mrs Adetola Oshomah, said the digital seminar was part of the bank’s Mobile Xpress (MX) Online Series to give the youths the opportunity to speak, noting that panellists comprising young people, who have excelled in their various careers and professions, were carefully selected to share their experiences and challenges before they found their voice.
Mrs Oshomah added that Ecobank boasts of digital solutions, products and services that are targeted at creating convenience for the youths.
She further stated that as a bank, Ecobank seeks to empower young people by offering them convenient, affordable and accessible financial services anytime and anywhere from their mobile phones, which is their primary mode of communication.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Lagos Television (LTV 8), Alausa, Ikeja, has a new General Manager, and he is Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, replacing Mrs Sola Kosoko, who was ousted by the Lagos State government.
Mr Oyekanmi was presented with his letter of appointment on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, in a brief ceremony.
The new General Manager of the state-owned broadcast station was tasked with using his vast experience in the media space to take LTV 8 to greater heights.
Mr Agoro expressed confidence in Mr Oyekanmi’s capacity to reposition Lagos Television and wished him a successful and impactful tenure of office.
Prior to his appointment, Mr Oyekanmi served as the Director of Strategy Centre at the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, a position he has held since 2022.
A seasoned brand communications practitioner, Mr Oyekanmi has over three decades of professional experience spanning both the private and public sectors, with expertise in Advertising, Public Relations, and global export services.
He commenced his public service career as a Public Affairs Practitioner on March 1, 2000, with the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy.
The new LTV boss, a Lagos State indigene from Isale Eko, Lagos Island, has received several awards in recognition of his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the journalism profession.
He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Education from Lagos State University.
He is an active Member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
In addition, he is a voracious reader and a passionate lawn tennis player, and currently serves as the Charter President of the Lagos State Ministry of Information Toastmasters Club.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A retired Major-General, Mr Adeyinka Famadewa, has been appointed as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Homeland Security.
The appointee retired from the military after over three decades, with experience in national security strategy, intelligence fusion, counter-terrorism operations, and international security diplomacy.
His career reflects a rare blend of operational excellence, strategic foresight, and institutional leadership in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interests, a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr George Akume, said.
It was disclosed that Mr Famadewa was chosen for the position because of his exceptional record of service, strategic expertise, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The notice said the appointment underscores the commitment of the administration of Mr Tinubu to strengthening internal security coordination, enhancing intelligence-driven operations, and deepening inter-agency collaboration in addressing emerging security threats across the country.
The President expressed confidence that Mr Famadewa’s appointment will further enhance the government’s efforts toward achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through improved coordination of homeland security initiatives, intelligence integration, and proactive risk management.
He also urged him to deploy his wealth of experience, professionalism, and strategic insight in advancing national security objectives and supporting the administration’s agenda.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
In a bid to strengthen its board and support its transformation goals, FCMB Group Plc has appointed the chairman of the board of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mrs Adepeju Adebajo, as an independent non-executive director.
A statement signed by the company secretary, Mrs Olufunmilayo Adelabu, disclosed that the appointment has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
She brings to the board over 30 years of experience across industry, renewable energy, agriculture, finance and consulting. She has worked with teams and clients in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, helping them grow and multiply impact.
Throughout her career, Mrs Adebajo has led teams through change and growth. She previously worked at Lafarge Africa Plc, and was once the chief executive of Mouka Limited, Lumos Nigeria, UTC Nigeria Plc and an Assistant General Manager at United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. She is a Transformation Lead at Etex Group (Nigerite and Emenite Limited).
In 2025, she founded Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria, affiliated with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and serves on the World Economic Forum Council on Climate and Nature Governance (2025-2027).
Mrs Adebajo holds a Master’s and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
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