Nigerian youths have been urged not to relent in their efforts to reshape the fortune of the African continent politically and economically pointing that Africans are not destined to be doomed and the power to drive the much needed change rest with youths and their power of innovation.
Ghana President-elect Dr, Nana Akufo-Addo made the call during his keynote speech at the 11th edition of The Future Awards Africa, held at Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria.
The Future Awards Africa, called the ‘Nobel Prize for Young Africans’, and the ‘most important youth awards’ by Forbes is the prizes given annually to celebrate innovation, creativity and enterprise amongst young Africans aged 18 – 31. It has produced over 150 winners and over 1550 nominees since its first edition in 2006.
Notable political and economic elites in Nigeria that witnessed this year’s African award presentation along the President-elect Ghana- special guest- identified with President Buhari’s change mantra in government under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
In attendance at the night were Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Kayode Fayemi, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi’s and the convener of the Bring Back our Girls campaign group, Obiageli Ezekwesili.
In their company as they received the Ghana President elect into the forum were some notable celebrities from the entertainment industry.
Some of them were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ebonylife TV, Mo Abudu, Editor of ThisDay Style, Ruth Osime; Nigerian Singer Timi Dakolo and other young inspiring and successful Nigerians who have shaped youths and lifestyles in the continent through their skills, vocations, technology and innovations.
The president elect also urged the youths to continue to replicate their prowess; innovations and potentials not only in politics but also in viable key economic areas by leveraging digital innovations and modern day technologies for the continent’s growth in the global space.
He said, “I want to Thank Nigerians for their supports before, during and after the just concluded Ghana’s presidential election. Ghana witnessed the change mantra Nigerians and youths called for. It all started when the Nigerian youths led the quest for change and brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power through their votes.
“Gambians also followed the footsteps of Nigeria in their last election. They also pitched their tents under the canopy of the change mantra, the same thing happened in Ghana and we are optimistic it will be a continental affair.
“The masses and the youths in Nigeria stick with president buhari. They bought into his vision of a change Nigeria and they gave him their mandate by casting their vote rightly and wisely and that explains what happened in Ghana during the presidential election.”
“Continue with your power of technological innovation. It has brought lots of economic opportunities to old and young and it is gradually changing our lifestyles not as a race but also as human,” he added.
In the 105 nominees identified across 21 categories, 21 youths were referred to as the key young players that have shaped the continent most and were presented with awards.
Some of the winners were: SomkeleIyamah- Idhalama, Yemi Alade, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Theodora Mogo, Osas Ajibade, Kehinde Paul, Dr.Salihu Dansuki, Ifeanyi Orajaka, TosinAjibade, Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Evans Akanno.
Julius Adewopo, AdeolaOsunkojo, Chika Oduah, Bolanle Olukanni, Ayo Thompson and Mark Okoye.
