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By Zika Bobby Nigerian youths have been charged to focus on initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, job creation and sustainable development. This charge was made by the Chairman, Apapa Local Government Area, Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo during her remarks at the inaugural Apapa Youth Summit with the theme: Youth ownership of the community: Exploring potential for economic development and environmental sustainability.’ Declaring the two-day summit open, Senbanjo said the youths are the driving force behind innovation, creativity and progress in any community. “Your energy, ideas and passion are crucial in shaping the future of Apapa. It is imperative that we empower you with the necessary skills, resources and opportunities to take ownership of your community and contribute meaningfully to its development.” In her presentation, Mrs Remi Odunsi, Lead Consultant, Eridancity, who spoke on: ‘Future ready youth: Driving ownership, collaboration and economic empowerment in our communities,’ hinged her intervention on three pillars, namely ownership of community project, economic empowerment and collaboration across youth groups. “The future of any nation is defined by the strength, vision and character of its youth. In Apapa our location at the heart of Nigeria’s economy makes this even urgent. The world has changed. Today, opportunities are not limited to oil or roadside trading. The digital economy, creative industries, recycling, logistics, fashion, food systems and technology offer multiple avenues for young people to thrive. We must shift from survival hustling to building sustainable enterprises. “The dignity of labour must be restored and alternative income streams embraced,” said Odunsi. Keynote Speaker, Dr Ade Dosunmu, former Director-General, NIMASA, spoke on: ‘Unlocking Blue Economic Opportunities for Youth Empowerment.’ Mrs Ikeadi Ajayi, Senior trainer, Leventis Foundation, harped on; ‘Youth Empowerment through Agriculture; Opportunities and Prospects,’ among other resource persons who covered various segments.
