Popular skit maker and actor Folagade Banks joined Minister for Youth Development Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, ace filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, and other influential personalities at a youth inspiration programme hosted by the Noella Foundation in Lagos State.
The event, themed “Inspiring the Next Generation,” gathered young Nigerians eager to learn from accomplished figures across diverse industries.
The Noella Foundation—founded by Seyi Tinubu and Layal Tinubu—is a non-profit organisation focused on empowering youths through mentorship, education, and community-driven initiatives. The foundation also runs projects that support child welfare, youth capacity-building, and grassroots development nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Folagade Banks, whose real name is Abiri Tobi Festus, shared his journey from struggling creative to household name. He recalled travelling from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to Lagos just to film scenes for as little as ₦20,000.
“It wasn’t about the money; it was about passion and purpose,” he said, urging young Nigerians to remain focused and resilient.
Banks highlighted how his consistency helped him evolve beyond his famous “Mama Deola” character into a versatile actor capable of taking on diverse roles. “Consistency is what makes the difference,” he added.
Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan encouraged aspiring creatives to embrace storytelling and cultural authenticity while innovating within the industry.
Representing the Minister for Youth Development, a senior official applauded the Noella Foundation for providing platforms that elevate and inspire young people, noting that collaborations between government and private organisations are crucial to tackling youth unemployment and boosting national development through creativity.
The programme ended with an interactive session where participants explored practical strategies for tapping into opportunities within Nigeria’s creative and entrepreneurial spaces.
