Nigeria President -elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has urged African youths to put their best foot forward while also commending them for their positive impact in rewriting the history of Africa in a positive way.
Asiwaju Tinubu gave this charge and commendation at the Commonwealth Youth and Students’ Summit held in Abuja during the week.
The president -elect who was represented at the summit by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National youth leader Hon. Dayo Israel, in a statement read on behalf of Tinubu, made available to the media stated that, with the use of technology, the youths are rewriting the African script.
“You are promoting your communities, businesses and endeavours by telling your own stories. We live in a digital age, and technology is rapidly transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. The digital revolution has opened new opportunities for innovation, growth, and development. Africa is home to a vast youth population, and I am proud of what you have done with it so far.”
Tinubu noted that Africa owe the youths a lot of gratitude for presenting the continent in a good light.He said in the past the focus of media were the negative things about Africa, creating the impression that there were no positive things coming from Africa.
Shedding more light on the theme of their summit “Co creating our common future leadership in the digital age in Africa” he noted that the topic speaks to the twin issues of leadership and technology as needed catalysts for development in Africa.
Asiwaju Tinubu charged them, that for them to actualise their potentials they must collectively work as a team to create a safe and secured environment.
“We must work together to create safe and secure environments for ourselves and our communities. We must reject violence and extremism and promote peace and harmony. We must also work to create a united front against external threats and challenges.
“Unity is crucial for Africa’s success. We must work together to promote cooperation, collaboration, and solidarity. We must break down the barriers that divide us and build bridges of understanding and trust.
“We must also promote inclusivity and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table. We must set high goals for ourselves and work tirelessly to achieve them. We must also support and encourage each other in our pursuits. We must reject the limiting beliefs that hold us back and embrace our full potential.”
The president -elect noted that globally, entrepreneurs are the driving force behind economic growth, hence there is the need for more young people to take on the challenge.” I urge you to take advantage of the resources available to you and to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.
“Fashion and tourism are two industries that can help us showcase the beauty of Africa to the rest of the world. We must invest in these sectors and work to create unique and authentic experiences for tourists. We must also celebrate our fashion designers and support current efforts being put in to promote African fashion globally”
Tinubu reiterated that as young people, they are the future leaders of the continent.
“It is imperative that we develop strong leaders who can drive positive change and lead us into a brighter future. We must hold ourselves accountable and strive to be the best versions of ourselves.
“Leaders are not born; they are made. We must all work hard to develop our leadership skills and be willing to step up and take on leadership roles on our campuses, youth organisations communities, associations, businesses, counties, parliaments, local, state and national governments.
“Armed with adequate data, information, and an understanding of the rules, must be ready to mix it with the older generation and challenge them.
“As young Africans, we must be proud of our culture, heritage, and history. We must celebrate our diversity and embrace our differences. We must work together to showcase the beauty of Africa and the resilience of its people. We must also reject the negative stereotypes and false narratives that have been perpetuated about our continent.
“Remember that you what you answer to. When on social media, put your best foot forward. Do not allow peer pressure to push you into spreading the myth that nothing good can happen in Africa.”Tinubu counselled the youth.
He explained that geria will continue to invest in her youth, nay African.” We will unfold programs and initiatives that are beneficial to our youth in the areas of Youths Advisory Council, Presidential Fellowship Scheme, Business Incubation Centres, MSME Academy, Consumer Credit and Sports Revolution. Greater inclusivity in governance for our youth now is important for our future.
“I was once a youth and I know and see the boundless creative energies, innovative skills, Entrepreneurship spirit and potentials of our youth. And the time to invest in them is now.”
He reiterated that when Africa, nay the Commonwealth of Nations is looking up to its vibrant young generation to birth new ideas, develop solutions to problems, become wealth creators, participate fully and actively in politics of development and above all adapt technology for developmental purposes.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, the president who was represented by his chief of staff, Mr Gambari also commended African youths for rising up in global significance in their various chosen endeavor thereby making the continent proud.
Also present at the Summit was the Commonwealth secretary general as represented by Layne Robinson from the commonwealth Sceretariat
