Abuja: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for increased investment in systems and programmes to unlock the potential of the region’s youth.
The Director of ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre and Acting ECOWAS Resident Representative in Burkina Faso, Amb. Francis Njoaguani made the call at the African Youth Conference (AYC) held in Abuja.
Njoaguani said that African countries must urgently invest in systems and structures that unlock youths’ potential as drivers of development, peace, and prosperity through innovation.
“Let us take a brief look at the facts: Africa is the youngest continent, with 70 per cent of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30 years; yet over 60 per cent of young people remain unemployed or underemployed, despite being more connected, more educated, and more aspirational than ever before.
“Infrastructure deficits cost the continent an estimated two per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth annually, while the lack of inclusive industrial development continues to widen inequality and deepen underdevelopment.
“But there is hope — and that hope lies in these very same young people.
Through the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC), ECOWAS has made it a mission to transform that hope into tangible outcomes.
“Over the years, we have, amongst many other achievements, trained and empowered thousands of young people across 15 member states through academic, leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship and peace building programmes.
“We have launched and implemented the ECOWAS Volunteers Programme, deploying hundreds of skilled young West Africans to support post-conflict recovery and development, healthcare, education, and governance across the region.
“We have supported dozens of youth-led startups through our innovation and entrepreneurship incubators, our international partnership engagements and our integrated agriculture capacity building programme, with many beneficiaries now providing jobs and solutions within their communities,” he said
Njoaguani said that ECOWAS had worked with partners and stakeholders to promote sports as a tool for peace and regional development and organised regional tournaments that build unity and social cohesion among young people.
He said that the commission believes that when young people are empowered with the right tools, policies, and platforms, they do not just participate in development; they lead it.
According to him, that is why the focus areas of the 2025 AYC conference, from building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation to promoting peace and security — are not just aspirational goals but also urgent imperatives.
He said that young people must be at the centre of every solution African countries pursue, adding that their voices must shape the continent’s policies and their talents must build the industries.
The conference was also used to unveil the African Youths Leadership Center (AYLC).
Mr. David Nwokorie, the convener of the conference, gave a brief introduction about AYLC, saying that the centre is more than just an institution; it is a movement, a beacon of hope, and a call to action.
Nwokorie said that the AYLC is rooted in the spirit of intercultural collaboration between Africa and Europe. It is a creative think tank, a research hub dedicated to advancing dialogue and fostering partnerships among scholars, policymakers, and others.
He said that the emergence of leaders was critical to our collective future, governance, peace building, diplomacy, mediation, policymaking, conflict resolution, and dialogue.
“Our motto, “Where excellence meets imagination,” speaks to the centre’s mission to nurture competent and visionary leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.
“Our mission is clear: establishing AYLC as a leading educational and research institution that inspires a passion for knowledge among young African and European leaders.
“AYLC was born from a pressing need highlighted during the third Africa youth conference in Abuja, where it became painfully evident that political apathy, disinterest, ignorance, and lack of civic education among youths continue to widen the leadership gap across Nigeria,”
Drone Mishap: FG delivers additional relief materials to the Tudun Biri community
Tudun Biri (Kaduna State): The Federal Government has delivered additional relief materials to the Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State following the tragic drone strike that occurred in December 2023.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso presented on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
The Federal Government presented two motorcycles, a Corolla generator, two wireless microphones, a single power amplifier mixer, and 500-watt flood lights to the beneficiaries, including Isuwa Haruna, Ridwan Yakubu, and Isah Ahmed.
Saraso said the gesture was in line with the recommendations of a high-level federal government delegation that visited the community after the incident.
“The Tudun Biri drone mishap occurred during an offensive operation against bandits and violent extremists around this axis.
” Tragically, the strike resulted in the loss of innocent lives and destruction of property,” the GOC said.
He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
He said the army is committed to helping the community through various support and recovery initiatives.
“This is not just about items; it is about rebuilding trust, healing, and continuing our engagement with the people of Tudun Biri, “Saraso said.
Also, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr James Kanyip, assured the community of the state government’s continued support.
He commended the Nigerian army for its proactive outreach and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to long-term rehabilitation and assistance for the victims.
