The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rep. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said sustainable development in Africa could only be achieved through targeted investment in the youth.
The Federal Lawmaker who represents Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency made this note at the weekend in Abuja while speaking at the 1st African Regional Conference on adolescent and youth health organised by Society for Adolescent and Young People’s Health in Nigeria (SAYPHIN).
While speaking on the topic, “Youth, Innovation and Economic Development: Towards an Empowered Future”, BTO highlighted lack of mentorship, deficient market intelligence, problem of funding, poor leadership as some of the reasons why innovations fail in Africa.
He added that the aspirations and needs of young people, and their ability to meet their full potential, remain largely unmet due to stagnating economic growth and limited opportunities for advancement.
“In Nigeria for instance, only one out of 25 startups survive after 10 years. 80% fail within the first five years. A scary 96% for aspiring entrepreneurs,” he explained.
On providing solutions to these problems, he recommended an urgent review and development of a proactive National youth policy to encourage entrepreneurship and vocational skills development.
“The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should be modified for skills development to enhance self reliance. Also, there should be provision of accessible funding for development of ideas into innovations without undue bureaucracies,” he said.
He further called for the provision of entrepreneurship mentoring scheme which will sustain economic development.
Other speakers at the programme include World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moe; Emir of Shonga in Kwara State and former Chairman National Primary Health Care Development Agency, HRH (Dr.) Haliru Yahaya; President International Association of Adolescent Health (IAAH), Prof. Susan Sawyer.
Others are Prof. Oladapo Ladipo, Chairman, Board of trustees, SAYPHIN; Ms. Ulla Mueller, UNFPA Country Representative, Nigeria and Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, National President, SAYPHIN.
An award was later presented to the legislator in recognition of the distinguished lecture he delivered.
Participants were drawn from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and other African countries.
