RAYLF: Ooni Honours 100 Outstanding African Youths

-Unveils ₦1 Billion Fund For Women Entrepreneurs

In recognition of their strategic contributions to the development of African continent, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Saturday bestowed Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) Awards on 100 youths selected across the African countries.

Ooni while adressing the participants who came across African countries said, RAYLF, is an initiative that recognizes young leaders in African countries and it was founded to champion peace, economic prosperity, and unity in Africa.

During the 4th edition of the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Ooni Ogunwusi honoured 100 exceptional African youths for their immense contribution to the development of the continent.

Presenting the award of excellence, the revered Nigerian monarch emphasized the importance of Africa’s youth in shaping a prosperous and unified continent.

He lauded the young demographic for their contributions to governance, leadership, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence.

Ooni Ogunwusi expressed his unwavering commitment to leading young Africans in reshaping the future of the continent. He stressed the importance of inclusivity and shared growth.

He commended the awardees who traveled from various African countries to Ile-Ife, saying that their achievements are a testament to the greatness of Africa.

Also, the Ooni of Ife and the DG of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency, Charles Odii, signed a one billion Naira fund for Women-Owned Micro Businesses (W.O.M.B.) to assist African women in their businesses.

The fund, named in honor of the late mother of the President, Habibatu Mogaji Tinubu, is available for youth across African countries.

He said, “I believe that their strategic contributions to the future of the continent are inevitable if we are going to achieve Vision 2063, ‘The Africa We Want.’ By empowering and engaging this vibrant demographic, we can drive sustainable development and ensure a prosperous future for all Africans. The ingenuity and resilience of Africa’s youth are key to unlocking the continent’s full potential and achieving our shared aspirations.

“This year’s theme, ‘Africa of the Future: Better Together,’ resonates deeply with our vision of a unified, prosperous, and integrated continent. Africa boasts the largest volume of young people globally, a demographic characterized by an entrepreneurial spirit, relentless energy, and an insatiable ambition to drive progress. A new era of governance, leadership, and entrepreneurship is emerging, signaling the dawn of the ‘Africa of the Future.’

“Our young population is not just a statistic; they are a force for change, equipped with modern skills, and a commitment to economic and social transformation.

“They remain the pillars of Africa’s fourth industrial revolution and global competitiveness, and we must urgently lead them to find a common, deep-rooted devotion and build a blueprint of inclusiveness that sustainably promotes their greater equities in Africa’s projects through RAYLF.

“I’m unwaveringly committed to leading young people across Africa to reshape the future of the continent by harnessing their potentials to address critical challenges that are bedeviling the shining light of the continent’s greatness. Vitally, we must agree to promote one agenda: striving to create a future where every African thrives through inclusive economic growth.

“As we honor your contributions, let this moment inspire us all to continue striving for excellence and to embrace the innovative spirit that defines our generation. You are the torchbearers of a new era, and your leadership will pave the way for a thriving and dynamic Africa,” he said.

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