A not-for-profit organisation, Opolo ati Ewa Women Empowerment Initiatives, in partnership with the Olumide Emmanuel Foundation, has hosted its fifth edition of its leadership, finance and relationship programme for secondary school students across Lagos State.
The event, held at the Rehoboth Grounds of Calvary Bible Church, Idimu Road, Lagos, drew over 1,000 students from SS1 to SS3, representing 45 schools from across the state during the weekend.
Speaking during the programme, the Founder of the Olumide Emmanuel Foundation, Dr. Olumide Emmanuel, said the initiative was part of the organisation’s long-standing vision to eradicate poverty “one person at a time” by empowering young people with the knowledge required to build sustainable wealth and character.
He emphasised that national transformation begins with shaping the mindset of the younger generation.
Addressing the students on the theme of the event titled, “The Keepers 2025: Just because…”, Emmanuel urged them to study the patterns of successful Nigerian billionaires whose wealth has outlived decades of economic instability.
“Look at people like Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola and Rasaq Okoya,” he said. “Their wealth did not come from shortcuts or crime. It came from building, investing, learning and staying consistent. If you want generational wealth, you must embrace discipline, strategy and patience.”
The financial expert and best-selling author challenged the students to begin early to cultivate habits that support long-term prosperity.
According to him, most wealthy families sustain riches across generations because they understand the power of value creation, legacy planning and business continuity. He stressed that money made through dishonest means cannot withstand time or adversity.
During a question-and-answer session, some students asked him whether “yahoo yahoo,” also known as internet fraud, could sustain anyone financially. Emmanuel, who appeared visibly concerned, responded bluntly that fraud is a dead-end path. “Crime is not a career,” he said. “Fraud is a trap. It destroys your reputation, your future and your peace. It cannot sustain you, your family or the next generation. Only value can.”
He further advised the teens to shun social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime and peer pressure, warning that these destroy potential more dangerously than poverty itself. “Your destiny is too precious to waste on shortcuts,” he added.
Speaking on his personal journey, Emmanuel also narrated how he ventured into real estate, a move he described as “a marriage between purpose, exposure and pastoral experience.” He explained that counselling families over the years exposed him to patterns of financial mismanagement, prompting him to begin teaching and investing in stable assets. “Real estate taught me patience and structure, principles I also learned from ministry,” he said.
The programme featured several other speakers who delivered sessions on critical topics affecting teenagers. One of the facilitators spoke on Puberty and Adolescent Health, guiding the students through emotional, physical and psychological changes associated with their age and encouraging them to embrace responsible behaviour.
Another speaker explored Governance and Politics, encouraging the youngsters to see leadership as a tool for nation-building rather than personal enrichment. She reminded them that youths across the world increasingly influence policy direction and urged Nigerian students not to underestimate their civic responsibilities.
Two participating students shared heartfelt testimonies of how the programme reshaped their self-belief.
Ayomide Adeyemi, an SS2 student, said the finance session opened her eyes to the importance of saving and budgeting. “I used to think wealth was only for people born into rich families. Now I know I can build it too, if I start planning early,” she said.
Another student, Samuel Chukwuma, described the leadership class as “an awakening.” According to him, hearing Dr. Emmanuel speak about integrity and discipline made him reconsider the type of friends he keeps. “I have learnt that influence is real. You either have it or you fall for it,” he said.
In her remarks, the Founder of Opolo ati Ewa Women Empowerment Initiatives, Chief Mrs Adenike Emmanuel, reaffirmed her commitment to raising a new generation of responsible, focused and value-driven young people. She said past beneficiaries of the programme had shared testimonies of improved academic performance, better financial habits and renewed confidence.
Mrs Emmanuel added that many of the former participants now lead school clubs, volunteer in community initiatives and have gained clarity about their future ambitions. She urged the students present to take the sessions seriously and distance themselves from social vices that could destroy their aspirations. “Your life is bigger than the momentary excitement that bad habits give,” she said.
The programme closed with a charge from the organisers, reiterating their mission to raise a new breed of Nigerians without greed. Students left the auditorium with handbooks, mentorship opportunities and renewed determination to build a future anchored on character, knowledge and purpose.
