The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appreciated the effort of young people of Africa at telling positive stories of the Black Continent and urged them to do more to promote the art, culture, enterprise and scenery via social media.

Asiwaju Tinubu, who was represented by the National Youth Leader of the rulling All Progressives Congress, Dayo Israel, made these comments on Tuesday, 9th May 2023, while delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit holding at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja. He said the investment of ideas, creativity and resources of young people into technology has seen significant results in the last few years. 

“Africa owes a huge debt of gratitude to you, Young Africans. In the past, the media was obsessed with promoting and showcasing the worst parts of Africa. The photos and videos that made it on the pages of international magazines and television was of starving African children in war-torn countries.

“Today, with the use of technology, you are rewriting the African script. You are promoting your communities, businesses and endeavours by telling your own stories. We live in a digital age, and technology is rapidly transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. The digital revolution has opened new opportunities for innovation, growth, and development. Africa is home to a vast youth population, and I am proud of what you have done with it so far.”

While praising them for achieving so much, the President-elect was quick to urge them to do more. 

“About seven years ago,” he said. “Africa had not a single unicorn. Today, the continent boasts of no less than seven startups worth over one billion dollars. That’s the Africa of today.

The Africa of tomorrow must have no less than 100 unicorns by 2035 because Africa has an abundance of human and natural resources, and we must utilise them to our advantage. Africa represents more than 30% of the world’s youth. We are the youngest continent in the world: 21% of our 1.2billion people are between 15 and 24 years old, whereas 42% are younger than 15. We have the energy to create innovative and sustainable solutions to factors holding us back from excelling.”

Asiwaju Tinubu urge all the delegates to network, collaborate and partner with one another because they share the same passions and are also confronted with similar challenges. 

“Unity is crucial for Africa’s success. We must work together to promote cooperation, collaboration, and solidarity. We must break down the barriers that divide us and build bridges of understanding and trust. We must also promote inclusivity and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table. We must set high goals for ourselves and work tirelessly to achieve them. 

“Cherish the few days you will be spending with one another during the course of this summit. Build connections that will be both lasting and productive. Learn from one another. Keep in touch. End the ‘Jollof Rice Battle’ and unite in the war against underdevelopment.”

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