By Joan Nwagwu
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu says the African Continent is richly endowed but most of its potential are yet to be fully tapped.
Tinubu said this while declaring open a two-day maiden edition of a programms: “Elevate Africa” on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the programme is: “The Africa We See: Unleashing the Potential to Redefine the Future”.
Tinubu, who was represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President said there were many potential within the great continent of Africa that defined her and the prospect of her tomorrow.
According to her, Africa is a blessed continent, from her rich vegetation to her beautiful landscape, abundant natural and human resources, her diversity and culture among others.
She, however, said Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Tinubu was keying into the prospect the continent holds to transform the country, especially in the areas of agriculture, education, and health among others.
“Nigeria is a great country with immense potential and promise, and with the progress made so far in this administration, we are on the journey to a brighter future.
“The focus of this administration has been on health care reforms, education, growing the digital economy, improving agriculture and food security and creating a more sustainable economic environment where everyone can strive,” she said.
She noted that some of the steps taken by the Federal Government, particularly was to boost youth development and education which include the introduction of the three million Tech Talent initiative, and National Youth Investment.
She said others were the National Student fund Scheme, among other major ongoing projects by the Federal Government such as commencement of the Light Rail Transportation System in Lagos State and the Niger Lagos Rail project.
The first lady, however, said that the Nigerian youth remained one of the great assets to the administration as they were the future.
“President Bola Tinubu once said,
Nigerian youths are vibrant, talented, eager to learn and ready to compete globally.
“He, therefore, urged the youth to remain committed to hard work diligently, and develop compassion for one another to work together in unity and patience”.
According to her, the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for all where creativity and resilient among others strive.
Also speaking, Her Royal Highness, Olori Atuwatse lll, Queen Consort, Warri Kingdom, said there was a need to work together to promote the African continent.
According to Atuwatse, Africa is a giant waiting to be awakened. Imagine what can happen in any industry when we all here tap into and invest ourselves in the brilliance that is already here.
“Think about the richness of African minds. Think about the innovations to be harnessed. Think about the potential to be actualised.
” We have so much to offer that will solve our issues in education, gender equality, economic growth and decent work and climate action.
“Our job is just to create the right conditions to make it happen by telling the right stories about Africa.
“Because when people begin to see what is possible through hearing it, they begin to understand and it triggers a reaction,”she said.
In her remarks, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Wife of Kwara State Governor enjoined all to support African led solution and initiatives that would foster partnerships between government, private sector and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
“Government cannot do it alone, collectively, let us also take action for shared responsibility.
“Invest in Africa’s human capital, unlock our economic potential, showcase the richness of our culture and ultimately improve for both peace and stability across the continent, ” she said.