Africa must empower youths, harness its resources — Oluremi Tinubu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, says African countries must work towards empowering and enlisting their youths in developmental efforts.

She also said the continent must look inward for solutions, starting with the right education for her youths, to optimise its abundant natural resources and make quantum leaps in human capital development.

Tinubu made this call when she received in the audience the Burundian Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, at the State House, Abuja.

Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Mrs. Busola Kukoyi, revealed this in a statement on Friday titled ‘First Lady Oluremi Tinubu receives Burundian Ambassador to Nigeria; Calls for retooling of education to drive development on the continent.’

Addressing the ambassador, the First Lady argued that the solution to Africa’s challenges lies with Africa, noting that it is time for African countries to strengthen the bond of brotherhood among themselves for development on the continent.

She said the days of taking the natural resources that the continent is endowed with for granted are over,

“Education is the tool for development and I thank God that Africa has known that the way out for us is to make sure that our youths are educated so that they can really have the right of place in the marketplace. I also believe that the youth should realise that they need to really brace themselves up.

“When we continue to do what is right for them and also lead by example, we will be able to win our youths over so that they can join in how we build the next century.

“Africa is a continent God has really blessed and I don’t know why we have abused ourselves this long. Everything they want in developed worlds is all situated in Africa. God has really blessed us as a continent and we should not take it for granted,” she explained.

Mrs Tinubu reiterated the President’s commitment to bringing Nigeria and Africa to its rightful place saying, “We have a lot of responsibility in our country but at the same time, we have to make sure the African Continent takes its pride of place among the other continents of the world.”

“A lot has changed in the way we do things, Nigerians are now accountable. We want to bring the respect Nigeria really deserves,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Burundian Ambassador, Edouard Nduwimana, who spoke through an interpreter said the visit was to register his country’s appreciation for the First Lady’s interest and support for education.

He acknowledged that Burundi has had its fair share of crises, but noted that the country was now back on the path of peace and progress

“Burundi is now a stable state and peace reigns in Burundi. We have also established a commission for peace and reconciliation and we are on our way to development due to the amazing leadership of our current president who has established a vision for 2040 and 2060,” said Nduwimana.

The Ambassador expressed satisfaction at the hospitality and warmth he has enjoyed since his tour of duty began seven months ago.

Since both countries gained independence in the 1960s, Nigeria and Burundi have maintained diplomatic ties, with Nigeria playing a role in supporting peace and development initiatives in Burundi, especially during times of political instability.

Nigeria, as a regional power, has been involved in peacekeeping efforts in Burundi, through the African Union and United Nations missions.

Key areas of collaboration between the two countries include peace and security, trade, and diplomacy.

Nigeria and Burundi have also explored opportunities in trade and economic cooperation, though trade volumes remain modest.

In 2022, Nigeria’s highest exports to Burundi were processed tomatoes while Burundi predominantly traded hide and skin with Nigeria.