Olufemi Bakre, managing director, Parallex Bank, says Africa’s young population represents a dynamic force capable of driving innovation, accelerating economic growth, and increasing social impact.
Bakre noted that Nigeria stands at an extraordinary demographic moment, with its large and youthful population representing significant national potential. According to him, the demographic is capable of reshaping leadership norms across the continent, provided they receive the right support, platforms and resources to thrive.
He made this known while reaffirming the bank’s commitment to nurturing African youth talent on the back of its sponsorship of the 2025 edition of the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA).
Organised by the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, the annual awards recognise young Africans driving exceptional impact across their communities. Bakre, who was represented by Ademola Adeshola, head brands and communication, Parallex Bank, stated that the bank’s sponsorship reflects its belief in the continent’s young population and its potential to redefine Africa’s developmental trajectory.
Nearly 70 percent of Nigerians are under the age of 30, a figure he believes illustrates both the nation’s vibrant energy and the opportunities embedded within this demographic advantage.
Bakre explained that Parallex Bank’s involvement in the awards aligns with its long-term commitment to youth empowerment, stating that the bank sees young people as central to Africa’s future and remains dedicated to initiatives that expand leadership potential across the continent.
He expressed strong admiration to the 2025 FALA winners and ambassadors for their courage, ingenuity and resilience, describing their achievements as evidence of a new generation determined to turn challenges into opportunities and build meaningful change within their communities.
He encouraged the young leaders to remain committed to Africa’s development by leading with integrity, purpose and a deep sense of responsibility to uplift the continent.
Bakre also commended the Future Africa Leaders Foundation for its sustained investment in youth leadership development, acknowledging the organisation’s role in inspiring hope and nurturing a legacy of impactful leadership across Africa in line with its founding vision.
The 2025 edition honoured 10 outstanding young leaders across the continent for developmental projects spanning education, technology, healthcare, agriculture, community service and social innovation.
The star prize was won by Rejoice Waithera, a 23-year-old Kenyan agripreneur and humanitarian whose initiatives in food security, waste management and community health have been described as transformative and scalable.
