About 100 outstanding African youths entrepreneurs are set to be honoured by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja 11, with the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) Awards.
The youths, from 39 African countries, were chosen for having demonstrated significant impacts in governance and leadership, innovation and technology, entrepreneurship and empowerment, creative culture and academic excellence, during a week-long event in Nigeria.
The award, launched in 2020, under the Global Outreach Initiative Forum of the monarch has as its theme: ‘Africa of the Future: Better Together’, will be concluded at the weekend.
At an event earlier in the week to kick start the event, Ooni Ogunwusi stated that more than ever, the world recognises the importance of Africa not only for her rich natural resources but crucially, for her vibrant and dynamic young population who are illuminating the paths of different communities toward a prosperous and unified Africa.
According to him, from Lagos to Cape Town, Dakar to Accra, Kigali to Cairo, Africa needs its finest and ever-dedicated young demographic that is rich in creative culture, governance and leadership, innovation and technology, entrepreneurship and academic excellence.
His words: “These are the five-fold pillars that are shaping and reconstructing the very next modernisation and industrialisation of Africa. They remain the cardinal contemporary life-tube of my Royal mission that is accommodating the exchange of ‘new ideas’ and ‘solving the world’s critical problems’ through various innovative and superlative mechanisms.
“The human resources of Africa are greatly entrenched in the minds of the youth. I believe that their strategic contributions to the future of the continent are inevitable if we are going to achieve ‘Vision 2063: The Africa We Want’. By empowering and engaging this vibrant demographic, we can drive sustainable development and ensure a prosperous future for all Africans. The ingenuity and resilience of Africa’s youth are key to unlocking the continent’s full potential and achieving our shared aspirations,” he said.
A World Bank statistics suggest that Africa’s population is set to reach 2.8 billion by 2060, with 65 per cent being young and full of potentials. This demographic shift presents a unique opportunity for economic growth, driven by a generation that is already making significant strides in various fields.
Africa is increasingly seen as the next major economic frontier. The continent’s youthful energy, innovative spirit, sophisticated cultural creativity, and unparalleled diversity make it an attractive destination for global attention and investment.
By Gbenga Bada-The Nation
