“The world may reward noise, but history remembers those who led with empathy, vision, and self-control” – Agemo-Okuboyejo
By Lukman Omikunle
Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo Urges Nigerian Students to Rise with Discipline, Lead with Emotional Intelligence
ILARO, OGUN STATE – July 9, 2025 — In an electrifying and soul-stirring keynote address that drew rounds of applause and standing ovations, Risk and Information Security expert, Engr. Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo, delivered a powerful message to hundreds of Nigerian students at the Youth Symposium themed “Career Resilience: Navigating The Future Of Work” held at the Raheem Oloyo Conference Hall (Glass House), Ilaro, Ogun State.
The event was organised by the Students’ Union of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.
Addressing the theme with grace and gravitas, Agemo-Okuboyejo, represented by Mr Micheal Dada and Mr. Enitan Taiwo at the symposium, emphasized that beyond technical skills and qualifications, emotional intelligence is the true currency of leadership in today’s volatile world of work.
“Most people think youth strength lies only in physical vitality,” she began, quoting Proverbs 29:20. “But the real strength of young people lies in clarity under pressure, emotional control, and the ability to build lasting influence.”
In what she dubbed “The Silent Superpower,” the seasoned policy strategist underscored the value of emotional intelligence—describing it not as weakness, but as a form of controlled strength.
“The world may reward noise, but history remembers those who led with empathy, vision, and self-control,” she told the rapt audience. “Emotional intelligence makes people trust you, listen to you, and follow you—even when you have no formal title.”
She connected her insights to global icons such as J.P. Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, and John D. Rockefeller, noting how they wielded emotional mastery as a tool to shape modern capitalism—not just through ambition, but with restraint, foresight, and relationships.
Referencing the historic Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) of 1934, Agemo-Okuboyejo provided a compelling comparison to modern youth potential, warning against repeating past mistakes.
“They didn’t have weapons. They had ideas and strategic organisation,” she said of the NYM. “But when ego replaced empathy, and tribalism drowned unity, the movement crumbled. That is the danger of leadership without emotional maturity.”
To the students in attendance—mostly undergraduates, recent graduates, and young entrepreneurs—she offered practical, actionable tools for success in a shifting career landscape.
“You may not sit at the big table yet. But you can control how you show up when you’re called. Show up with discipline. Show up with self-respect. Show up with emotional intelligence.”
She urged the youth to develop “strategic advantages” such as, self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation and relationship-building.
She stated further that, “These are not soft skills. These are survival skills,” she stressed. “Especially in a world where the loudest voices often lack the deepest impact”
The speech also culminated in a rousing message of hope when she pointed out that “This is your season to till the ground, sow seeds, and water your future. In time, your harvest will match your hustle. Don’t wait to be given power—rise into it.”
The event, organized by the Union’s Youth Committee, included a heated debate titled “Is Career Resilience More Important Than Relying on Innate Talent for Career Success?” Students described the day as “transformational.” During the event, Agemo-Okuboyejo awarded fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to the winner of the debate contest, Okwuchi Joy, and also donated two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) to the Students’ Union chapter of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.
With her unique blend of corporate expertise and inspirational storytelling, Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo left no doubt that she is not only a force in boardrooms but a beacon to the next generation. Read More
