Popular skit maker and actor Folagade Banks joined the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, and other notable figures at a youth inspiration programme organized by the Noella Foundation in Lagos State.

The event, themed “Inspiring the Next Generation,” brought together young Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to learn from accomplished personalities and gain insights into pursuing their passions.

Founded by Seyi Tinubu — son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — and his wife, Layal Tinubu, the Noella Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment, mentorship, and education. The foundation also runs programs focused on child welfare, community development, and skill acquisition across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Folagade Banks, whose real name is Abiri Tobi Festus, shared his journey from humble beginnings to stardom, encouraging youths to remain focused, resilient, and committed to their dreams.

“There were times I would travel from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to Lagos just to shoot a scene for N20,000. It wasn’t about the money; it was about passion and purpose,” he said.

He reflected on the evolution of his career, noting that consistency and versatility were key to his growth beyond the popular “Mama Deola” character.

“I started with Mama Deola, and many thought that was all I could do. But with time and consistency, I’ve been able to evolve into different roles — as a matron, a mother, and even beyond comedy. Consistency is what makes the difference,” Banks added.

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan also addressed participants, highlighting the importance of storytelling and cultural preservation in the creative industry. He encouraged young filmmakers to remain authentic while embracing innovation.

Representatives from the Ministry for Youth Development commended the Noella Foundation for creating platforms that empower Nigerian youths, noting that collaborations between government and private initiatives are essential for tackling youth unemployment and fostering national development.

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