CREATIVITY THROUGH COLLABORATION AND AFRO-CENTRIC SOLUTIONS.

At the just concluded Africa Youth conference 2024, Youth leaders, proffesionals and stakeholders converged at Nigeria’s capital, Abuja from across the country to discuss current trends and other salient issues affecting young people in the country and the west Africa sub region.

With the theme: THE CREATIVE MIND: CREATING SUSTAINABLE IDEAS FOR LONG LASTING SOLUTIONS the event was convened by the Media Adviser to the Deputy chairman of the Senate Commitee on SDGs, David Nwokorie the Ministry of state for youth development and the office of the Africa Youth Ambassador for west Africa, Ms Simone diouf. its primary objective was focused on the sustainable development goals and the need for dialogue, diplomacy, creativity and constructive engagements as an alternative to violence and restiveness.

In his address, David Nwokorie, the covener of the Africa youth conference emphazized the need for the youths to see themselves as part of a collective project that drives the course of Governance. He further remarked that by being creative, young people are able to become agents of change and transformation amidst prevalent crisis and conflict, he also emphasized on the need for youths to see themselves as part of Governance, to constantly evolve by seeking new ways of solving problems by optimizing their potentials.

In her remarks the Africa Youth Ambassador for west Africa represented by Mr Rafiu Adeniran, founder of building blocks for peace foundation highlighted the critical aspects of the Youth peace and security agenda and the relevance of youths in actualizing the peace agenda across all levels. He further stated that the peace process could only be actualised through sustainable collaboration between the youths and the Government.

According to the Hon. Minister of state for youth development, Engr. Ayo Olawande creativity is the bedrock of development in any Nation. while reeling out some steps taken by the Federal Government in the actualization of the youth, peace and security agenda, he outlined a plethora of initiatives achieved under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Administration aimed at supporting the goals and dreams of young people in the country, additionally, he commended the convener and stated that the event was in line with the renewed Hope agenda of current Administration.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Senate committee on Steel Development and Deputy Chairman, committee on sustainable development goals, Dist. Sen Ndubueze Patrick gave a detailed analysis of the theme and noted that creativity meant defining a unique approach to challenges, and thus it was only by being creative that the youth could drive growth and innovation in their respective communities. He further pledged the commitment of the parliament towards supporting youth driven agenda that was anchored on the foundation of creativity and the over all objective of sustainable solutions.