Nigeria and other African countries have been urged to leverage youth power, culture, and creative economy for growth.
According to business leaders, influential African creative, policy makers, digital champions, and leading entrepreneurs from diverse industries, who gathered in Lagos, at the weekend, agreed that it is high time for the region to look inward for its development by leveraging youths and others.
At the event, organised by Africa Soft Power, in collaboration with Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, and African Women on Board, the experts linked the intricate relationship between digital platforms, technology adoption, youth empowerment, and creative entrepreneurship.
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Founder and Creative Director of Africa Soft Power, Nkiru Balonwu, who led the charge, said as a country and a continent, it is imperative to include young people and women in every leadership space.
She said from #EndSARS to #Congoisbleeding and other several social movements that the continent witnessed in recent years, “we have seen what happened when we do not provide the needed inclusion and security for women and young people.”
Balonwu added: “We will continue to have these conversations, shining the light on the immense opportunities that Africa’s soft power, deeply rooted in its vibrant culture and youthful population, offers for growth. While the advent of digital media and advancements in technology are providing African youths with platforms to express their talents, shape their own narratives, and build successful careers across various industries, we remain committed to advancing conversations that will help the continent leverage this growth potential.”
At the event with the theme: “Securing The Future: Youth Power, Culture and Creative Economy,” it was noted that even as the creative and knowledge industries offer immense opportunities for young Africans, there are still threats out there – and high on that list is insecurity.
The panel session for the event, moderated by Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nonconform Productions, Folashade Anozie, had as panellists and experts, Founder and CEO, Glann Media Consult & former Editor, Guardian Life Magazine, Njideka Agbo; Commissioner for Finance & Economic Development, Ekiti State, Akintunde Oyebode; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oyo State, Dr. Seun Fakorede and Director, Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa at Meta, Adaora Ikenze.
Oyebode said: “You can’t solve the problem of security where there is absence of fairness and justice. A big driver of crime is the absence of consequence. This is why you will find that in a society where there is absence of consequence, people often gravitate towards crime.
“The challenge of security in Nigeria is a hydra-headed problem. In some parts of the country, there are kidnappings and drug problems, but at the heart of it all, is a clear admission that state capacity has been waning for a while and has got to a point where it is simply incapable of responding to social issues.”
On her part, Agbo maintained that lack of security and inclusion is responsible for brain drain in Nigeria and parts of Africa. “At a time, people were excited to come back to Nigeria, but all that has changed. In 2018, we were the fourth largest group of asylum seekers in the European Union, because more and more people keep moving out in search of greener pastures, more opportunities and better security.
“The level of patriotism that the youth show to their country is determined by the level of appreciation that they get from the Government, alongside the security and inclusion that the country provides for them.”
The former Guardian Life Editor said there is need for the region to guarantee security of lives and property to ensure economic growth, others.
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