Popular skit maker and actor Folagade Banks joined Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, and renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan at a youth empowerment programme hosted by the Noella Foundation in Lagos State.
The event, themed “Inspiring the Next Generation,” gathered hundreds of young Nigerians eager to learn from accomplished professionals across diverse sectors.
Founded by Seyi Tinubu and Layal Tinubu, the Noella Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to youth development through mentorship, education, and capacity-building initiatives. The foundation also supports child welfare and community development projects nationwide.
Sharing his journey to stardom, Folagade Banks, whose real name is Abiri Tobi Festus, encouraged young people to remain focused on their dreams despite challenges.
“There were times I would travel from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to Lagos just to shoot a scene for ₦20,000. It wasn’t about the money; it was about passion and purpose,” he recalled.
He explained that his breakthrough came through consistency, evolving from his viral Mama Deola character into more dynamic acting roles.
“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, as a matron, a mother, and beyond comedy. Consistency is what makes the difference,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Kunle Afolayan urged young creatives to preserve cultural identity while embracing innovation.
“Storytelling is a powerful tool for preserving culture. As filmmakers, our originality is our strength,” Afolayan noted.
Representing the Minister of Youth Development, a senior official from the ministry commended the Noella Foundation’s efforts to empower youths through collaboration with government and private sector stakeholders.
“Partnerships like this are essential in addressing youth unemployment and promoting creativity as a driver of national development,” he said.
The event concluded with an engaging interactive session, where participants discussed practical strategies for building sustainable careers in Nigeria’s creative and entrepreneurial industries.
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