By Harrison Arubu

Africa’s vibrant youth population is a gold mine waiting to be harnessed for sustainable development, says the outgoing Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Mr Benaoyagha Okoyen.

Okoyen stated this at the launch of Afro Red-Flag Protective Shield, an anti-graft initiative designed to check white-collar crimes in business organisations in Africa.

In a presentation titled “Exploring the Opportunities for Nation Building Expedition in the 21st Century”, Okoyen said Africa was blessed with the youngest and most vibrant youth population in the world.

“More than 60 per cent of the population in Africa is aged below 25. We are talking about vibrant young people with potential and limitless capacities.

“This is a gold reserve waiting to be mined for nation building and overall development of the continent.

“Africa countries must begin to explore the opportunities that revolve around tapping into the limitless capacity of their youths,” said Okoyen, who has been redeployed to Cuba as deputy ambassador,

The envoy also urged African countries to invest massively in science and technology as well as human capital development to reap the gains of the global knowledge economy.

“Technology has moved the world from a natural-resource economy to a knowledge economy, which is production and consumption based on intellectual capital.

“In order not to be left far behind, African countries need massive and sustainable investments in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM),” he emphasised.

Okoyen highlighted other opportunities for nation building in the 21st century as redefinition of citizenship and reinvention of democracy.

While noting that citizens are the cornerstone of nation building, the consul general urged Africans to invest in self-development, shun apathy and get actively involved in the political process.

He also urged governments and other stakeholders to expand the political space and encourage citizens’ participation in atmosphere devoid of discrimination.

Okoyen said that nation building also required value re-orientation, patriotism, justice, equality before the law and respect for fundamental human rights.

On democracy, the envoy stressed the need for institutions in Africa to be strengthened to meet the yearnings of the citizens.

“Democracy in Africa must begin to rely on strong and active citizenship within and outside of government,” he said. (NAN)