Commonwealth Youth Summit: Shape Your World to Save Our World – Minister Tells African Youth

Oru Leonard 

The Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has pleaded with the Youth of Africa to save the world by developing unique and creative ideas for leaders to put to action. Mr. Dare said this while delivering his speech on Tuesday, 9th May 2023, during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit (CYSS), taking place at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

His words, “You have to shape your world in order to save our world. I know that Governments are committed to supporting fully, the Youth of Africa. Let us use this Summit to develop a dynamic youth agenda that will be handed over to African Governments to implement.”

The theme of the summit is “Co- creating our common future leadership in the digital age in Africa,” and about 5000 young people from 21 African Countries within the Commonwealth as well as Five (5) Heads of Government, Eleven (11) Ministers of Youth from selected African countries, and other notable leaders are expected to attend the Summit.

The opening ceremony was graced by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; the Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami; amongst other government officials.

Mr. Dare said while the Youth may have much to dislike about their current status, conflict is not a good option for them.

“Our Youth understandably feel these gaps have disadvantaged them in many aspects. And often, they also feel they are excluded from the table and are therefore unable to contribute towards policy formulation and execution. However, the very future the youth deserve can only be built with collaboration, communication, compromise and wisdom of those who have harmed experience over time. Confrontation, and conflict are unlikely to unleash the full potentials of our Youth,” he said.

The Minister urged his audience to learn to put business before pleasure so as to give the best account of themselves in their various enterprises and adventures. He also asked them to shun fake news if they must lead Africa to massive prosperity.

“The future starts now!” He said. “The future may belong to the scientists. To those that decide to have a positive attitude to life. It may belong to those who understand that rigour must precede pleasure. To those who embrace facts in a world of information chaos. To those who turn their skills into entrepreneurship. These are the Youth that will navigate opportunities better and with an ocean, rather than drops, Africa will be truly unbeatable.”

(HMFYSD Media)