Despite the current challenges facing Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu is creating an enabling environment to harness the creativity and talents of the youth who are the future of the country, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said.
She also reiterated the current administration has remained focus on education, healthcare, digital economy, improving agriculture and sustainable environment.
The First Lady said these during the inaugural meeting of ‘Elevate Africa: The Africa We See’ held in Abuja, convened by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and his wife, Olori Atuwatse, III, to change the sad narrative about Africa.
Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, said the President recognises and appreciates the potential of the average Nigerian youth as one of the country’s greatest assets.
The First Lady said her husband is constantly taking some bold steps to ensure fulfilment of their aspirations through the use of technology and innovation.
She said, “Nigerian youth remain one of our greatest assets. They are the future. President Bola Tinubu once said Nigerian youth are vibrant, talented, eager to learn, and ready to compete globally. With the progress made so far in the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, we are on the threshold of a brighter future.
“Some steps taken by the government, particularly to boost youth development and education include the introduction of the 3 Million Tech Talent Initiative, the National Youth Investment Fund, where young entrepreneurs can have easy access to funds and the National Student Loan Scheme, which has already taken off in earnest.
“I therefore urge the youth to remain committed to hard work, diligence, and imbibe compassion for one another, to work together in unity, and be patient. This administration is committed to creating an enabling environment where their creativity, talent and resilience can be enhanced. They are the leaders of tomorrow.”
A former President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, commenced the event, saying she was impressed to observe that both her country and Nigeria share certain things in common.
Jahjaga also challenged Africa to rise and prove to the Western world that they are more than a continent still struggling with the yoke of poverty, conflict, and underdevelopment.
She said, “Let me tell you how I see Africa through my eyes. I see a continent rich in culture, diversity, and creativity, where communities are resilient, innovative, and deeply connected to their roots. I see young people driving change, entrepreneurs building solutions to local challenges, and a wealth of natural beauty that is second to none.
“The resilience of the Nigerian people, their kindness, and their deep connection to their heritage stand out as some of the many things that make this country so special. It resonates so much with our people in Kosovo and the joint values we share. Kosovo remains unrecognised as a state by many countries in the world.
“There are far too many misconceptions and stereotypes about Africa, and they continue to dominate the narrative, similar to Kosovo. It’s time to change that. It’s time for the world to see Africa and countries in the global south for what they are — places of innovation, strength, and hope. In this spirit, I would like to thank His Royal Highness, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and Her Royal Highness, Olori Atuwatse III, for their visionary efforts.”
While appreciating the gesture, the Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, explained that they took the bold step to launch the initiative to change the perception and narrative of the continent.
According to her, every nation needs the other to survive as one sovereign country cannot thrive in isolation.
She said, “Certain industries in some countries, through the power of storytelling, have repeatedly painted vivid pictures in our minds. People flock to the latter countries, spending millions on education and healthcare or even just ‘japaing’ for so-called ‘greener pastures’ because of what they have heard and watched, and ultimately imagined what being in those countries would be.
“That is why it is sometimes frustrating to see the same tired narratives about Africa being recycled as if we are nothing more than challenges or we lack the creativity and skills to propel our continent forward. Yes, we have issues – show me a continent that doesn’t! But we are so much more than our issues.
“For decades, the world has turned to certain types of development agencies to predict and chart the course for Africa. But they barely scratch the surface of what Africa truly is, yet their narratives have infiltrated our sense of self both at home and abroad. When you work so closely with everyday people, as I have done at the community, national and regional levels, you see the pure gold in our people.”
Friday Olokor
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