At the 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership ceremony held in Lagos, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), delivered a compelling message urging Nigerian youths to find their future within the borders of Africa, specifically in their homeland, Nigeria.
Expressing his concerns over the prevalent trend of Nigerian youths seeking better opportunities abroad, commonly known as “Japa,” Adesina emphasized the need for sustainable development within the continent. He adamantly stated that the future of Nigeria’s youth does not lie in distant regions such as Europe, North America, or Asia, but in the vibrant landscape of Africa.
“While acknowledging the significant contributions of the growing diaspora, which sends back billions of dollars, surpassing even the revenue from oil, Adesina stressed the importance of retaining the best human capital within Nigeria. He advocated for policies that promote domestic growth while maintaining flexibility in immigration and labor laws to allow for the exchange of skills globally,” he said.
Adesina’s unwavering belief in Africa’s potential led the AfDB to launch a groundbreaking $614 million program aimed at supporting Nigeria’s digital and creative industries. This initiative aims to create a staggering 6.3 million jobs and inject N6.4 billion into the economy, fostering an environment where Nigerian youths can thrive and contribute meaningfully to their nation’s prosperity.
“Let us take pride in our demographic asset and transform it into an North America powerhouse on a global scale,” Adesina urged, underlining the importance of embracing Nigeria’s youth as the driving force behind the country’s future success.
With this visionary leadership and bold initiatives from both governmental and non-governmental bodies, Nigeria stands poised to unleash the full potential of its youth, ensuring a bright and prosperous future within the borders of Africa. As Adesina aptly concludes, “Their future lies right here in Nigeria.”
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