In Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) at the 2024 Summit has emphasized the need to harness the potential of Communities, States, Nigerian and African youths towards sustainable development on the continent; at the event which was held on Saturday, 14th December 2024, @ 9 a.m, at Victory Hall, Bereton Montessori School, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

The keynote address titled, “Unleashing the Power of Youths in Purpose: Harnessing Potential for Community Development,” was delivered by Amb. Prof. Mercy Olufunmilayo Adesanya, a renowned educator and former presidential candidate.

Speaking at this Youth Empowerment Summit in her Keynote address, Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, the leadership expert and YALI mentor stressed the fact that, “The potential of youths in driving community development cannot be over emphasized, and I want to emphasize that, the future of our communities, our states, and our nation lies in the hands of young people.”

Moreover, “Youth are not just the future, they are the present. They are the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and progress. However, despite their potential, many young people in our communities face numerous challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare.”

She continued, “Young people hold the key to unlocking the continent’s vast potential.” Also, “The youth need to tap into the creativity, energy, and innovation to drive economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development,” she explained.

In her address, Prof Adesanya-Davies further challenged the young leaders to embrace their role as change-makers and to work collaboratively towards creating a brighter future for Africa. “The time for the youths to arise is now,” she said. “Let us harness our collective potential to build a nation and continent that is prosperous, peaceful, and just for all.”

Prof Adesanya-Davies called on governments, policymakers, stakeholders and young leaders to prioritize investments in youth education, skills development, and entrepreneurship to drive youths energy. She also emphasized the need for mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and platforms that empower young people to take ownership of their futures.

She encouraged the youths, “To remain purposeful, committed and resilient bearing in mind that, they are the leaders of tomorrow no matter what is playing out today.” Let the theme “Purpose, People and Profit continue to ring in your ears and be on your mind,” she added.

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a flagship program of the U.S. Department of State designed to empower young African leaders; and the YALI Rivers State Summit 2024 is organized by the YALI Rivers State Hub, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and other local and international organizations.

Again, YALI, as a flagship program of the U.S. government, aims to develop the leadership skills of young Africans and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to drive positive change in their communities.

The summit, which brought together young leaders and youths from Rivers state and across Nigeria featured the Keynote Address and Panel Discussions on topics such as: Purpose, People and Profit leadership, Entrepreneurship, Civic engagement, and Innovation.

Other speakers, facilitators and panelists include: Masterclass Guest Speakers
Uche Aniche – Tech & Business Innovation Leader; Maple Dappa – Leadership Development Expert;
Panelists Dr. Abali Ejike – Medical Practitioner & Nonprofit Leader; Serena Francis, Mandela Washington Fellow and Founder, SuperWoman Organization; Oladamola Soares – Career Development Specialist and Gift Afemekor – Business Consultant.

Ejike Onyeke, YALI Rivers State Hub Coordinator in excitement commented, “The event was purposeful, educative and successful, while Nigerian youths endeavoured to attend.”

“This year’s summit themed “Purpose, People, and Profit: Harnessing Youths Potential for Community Development,” brought together young leaders from across Rivers State to discuss the importance the of, “Purpose, People, and Profit in driving Community Development,” he added.

John Best, UCHE, Former Coordinator, YALI Network Rivers State Hub said, “The YALI Rivers State Summit 2024 was free and open to the public” and we have learnt that, “The potential of youths in driving community development cannot be overemphasized.”

At the event, certificates of attendance were awarded to notable contributors, experts facilitators, and new members were inducted; while the result of the Electronic OnLine election of the New State Exco was announced. Adesanya-Davies thus canvasses for Electronic OnLine Voting in 2027 elections.

The summit provided a platform for young leaders to share and shape their experiences, challenges, and successes, and to learn from each other and from renowned experts in the field.

Ejike Onyeke, Coordinator, YALI Network Rivers State Hub

©CDA News