𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚'𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡: 𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
.........𝒂𝒔 𝑹𝒕 𝑯𝒐𝒏 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝑲𝒂𝒍𝒖 𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅
In the heart of Abuja, during the Arise Nigeria Youth Summit 2024, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, delivered a compelling keynote address that resonated deeply with the aspirations and challenges faced by African youth.
The summit, commemorating African Youth Day, was centered around the theme “The Future of Nigeria: Youth, Leadership, and National Development.”
Rt Hon Kalu's message emphasized the pivotal role that young people play in shaping the continent’s future, particularly in the context of Agenda 2063, the African Union's strategic blueprint aimed at fostering an inclusive, prosperous, and globally competitive Africa.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡
Rt Hon Kalu articulated a vision where Nigerian youths are not merely passive recipients of opportunities but active agents of change.
He described them as the “heartbeat of Africa’s progress,” highlighting their innate capacity for innovation, leadership, and resilience.
The Deputy Speaker’s assertion that “Africa’s future lies in your hands” serves as a clarion call for young people to embrace their roles as catalysts for change.
In a continent often beset by challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and inequality, the youth emerge as beacons of hope, armed with entrepreneurial spirit and digital innovations.
The emphasis on collaboration and boldness in the Deputy Speaker’s address is particularly poignant.
As he urged the youth to be “visionary and collaborative for the greater good,” it became clear that the journey towards a prosperous Africa is not a solitary endeavor.
The collective strength of young people, united in purpose, is essential for overcoming the hurdles that lie ahead.
𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
The call to action extends beyond mere rhetoric; it underscores the urgent need for African nations, particularly Nigeria, to prioritize investments in education, entrepreneurship, and good governance.
Rt Hon Kalu’s remarks reflect a growing recognition that the success of Agenda 2063 hinges on how well countries harness the potential of their youth populations.
The Deputy Speaker’s advocacy for skill development, exemplified by his sponsorship of the Apprenticeship Scheme Bill, is a testament to the commitment to bridging skill gaps and empowering young Nigerians for sustainable careers.
The importance of education cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which the future of any nation is built.
By equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and skills, African nations can foster a generation capable of driving innovation and leadership.
The Deputy Speaker’s assertion that “the future is yours to build” serves as a reminder that the responsibility for shaping the continent’s destiny lies with the youth themselves.
𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
Hon. Martins Esin, the Chairman of the event, echoed Rt Hon Kalu’s sentiments by emphasizing the need to amplify the voices of Africa’s young people.
He urged the youth to harness their energy toward creating a stronger future for the continent.
In this collective endeavor, technology plays a crucial role. Esin’s call for young people to utilize technology positively underscores the potential for digital platforms to facilitate collaboration, idea-sharing, and community-building.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, further reinforced this message by affirming the government’s commitment to empowering youth.
Represented by Ambassador Akoshile Muktar, Olawande highlighted the administration’s dedication to creating pathways for young people not just to participate but to lead.
This commitment is vital in ensuring that youth are not sidelined in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and futures.
𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥
Joy Akut, the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Youth and Women Affairs, painted a vivid picture of the untapped potential that Nigerian youth represent.
With over 60% of Nigeria’s population comprising young people, the significance of their contributions to various sectors cannot be overstated.
Akut’s metaphor of a “gold mine” aptly encapsulates the idea that while the talent and ambition of youth are abundant, they require nurturing and investment to be fully realized.
The summit also served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of young innovators and leaders who are transforming industries and driving social change.
The energy, creativity, and determination exhibited by these individuals are testaments to the potential that lies within the youth of Africa.
As Kalu Simon aptly noted, “Though Nigeria is often celebrated for its abundant natural resources, I believe our greatest resource is our people.”
This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the summit: that the true wealth of a nation lies in its youth.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
As the Arise Nigeria Youth Summit 2024 concluded, the messages delivered by Rt Hon Kalu, Esin, Olawande, and Akut resonated with a shared vision for the future of Africa.
The path towards realizing Agenda 2063 is fraught with challenges, yet it is illuminated by the promise of a generation poised to lead.
The call for boldness, collaboration, and investment in youth serves as a roadmap for African nations to cultivate an environment where young people can thrive.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the youth of Africa have the potential to not only transform their own nations but also to contribute to a unified and prosperous continent.
As they rise to the occasion, it is imperative that they embrace their roles as leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
The future of Africa is indeed in their hands, and together, they can shape a brighter tomorrow.
𝓘𝔂𝓴𝓮 𝓜𝓫𝓪
𝙎.𝙇.𝘼 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙃.𝙊.𝙍
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