ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has tasked African youths to build a united Africa of equal opportunities.
Kalu made the call on Friday in Abuja, at the Arise Nigeria Youth Summit organised to mark the 2024 African Youth Day with the theme: “The Future of Nigeria: Youth, Leadership and National Development.”
Kalu applauded the power, resilience and creativity of young Africans across the continent.
He said that despite the challenges of unemployment, insecurity, and inequality, the youths had continued to inspire hope with their entrepreneurial spirit, digital innovation, and passion for social justice.
“Now more than ever, Africa needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership. Let us commit today to building a continent where every young African has the opportunity to thrive, where unity transcends division, and where our collective dreams become reality.
“Africa’s future is in your hands, be bold, be visionary, and continue to rise. Together, we will shape the Africa we want,” he said.
The deputy speaker said that the African youths are critical to achieving Agenda 2063 which is an ambitious plan of the African Union for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse, grounded in inclusive development, peace, and prosperity.
Kalu said Nigerian youth have the capacity to champion this transformation, noting that the development of the African continent lies in the youth.
The lawmaker encouraged the youths to be bold, visionary and continue to work together for the good of the society.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, said the government was committed to empowering the youth.
The Minister was represented by the Regional Coordinator, West Africa, Afri-Arab Youth Council (AAYC), Amb. Akoshile Muktar.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was dedicated to creating pathways for youths not just to participate but also to lead.
Olawande described the youth as agents of change, who should not just wait, but work together across barriers in crafting a better future for all.
The Chairman of the occasion, Rep. Martins Esin (PDP-Akwa Ibom) said there was need to amplify the voices of African young people.
He said that the energy of the youth should be channelled towards shaping a brighter future for the continent.
He said that youth were the driving force, capable of leading Africa to new heights, urging them to come together and work towards building a community that would help uplift each other.
The lawmaker urged young people to use technology to connect, share ideas and grow while cautioning against negative use of social media. (NAN)
