The 5th Edition of the Ghana Nigeria Youth Summit was
successfully held on Saturday 28th April, 2018 at the Onikan Youth Center,
Onikan-Lagos. Diplomats from the Ghana High Commission, Government officials,
young people from all walks of life, Lawyers, owners of private schools,
professionals from different fields of endeavor were all in attendance to share
their views and make positive contributions at the summit that had its theme as
'CHARTING A POSITIVE ECONOMIC PATH FOR AFRICA,GHANA AND NIGERIA MUST SET THE
PACE'.
Declaring the summit open, Comrade Barry Ndu Nwaihim, convener
of the Ghana Nigeria Youth Summit appreciated all the Delegates that came from
Ghana, Nigeria and other parts of Africa for the event. He stated that the 5th
Edition of the event was brought to Lagos, Nigeria because of the huge number
of Ghanaians resident in that part of the country and to also offer an
opportunity for Nigerians who couldn’t come to Ghana for the first four
editions to interact directly with their Ghanaian counterparts.
He said that
the main idea behind the vision is to continuously offer a platform for
Ghanaians and Nigerians to constantly discuss issues that affects the African
continent and proffer solutions in an atmosphere of brotherliness, love and
unity. Comrade Barry Ndu noted that the huge intellectual and natural resources
in both countries can be utilized effectively for the betterment of the people.
He advised African leaders to always involve young people in issues of
Governance as they have the capacity to deliver. He called on private
individuals, companies and Government to always support such laudable
initiatives that promotes unity and cooperation among sister countries. He
recounted the ordeal they went through in getting funding during the planning
of the event as most companies prefer sponsoring beauty pageants than
intellectual events like this that add values to human existence. He thanked
the Lagos state government through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development
for giving them the venue to use. He pleaded with positive minded individuals
to support The Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Center (YESAC) so
many young people can have the opportunity to be trained on their preferred
skill.
Sir Celestine Omehia, former Governor of Rivers State who
delivered the Keynote Address at the event urged young people to become agents
of positive change, stating that they can achieve anything they set their heart
to do if they remain consistent and committed to it. He commended the
organizers for putting together such a wonderful programme that had an array of
the best leaders in attendance. He appreciated their commitment and promised to
always support their initiative as it is geared towards fostering a positive
alliance between the two great West African countries. He took the Guests down
memory lane on the relationship between the two countries which dates back
before independence. The former Governor of Rivers state was enthusiastic that
Africa can get it right if its youthful population can wake up and become fully
involved in leadership rather than always waiting to be spoon fed.
He asked for unnecessary trade barriers within West African
countries to be lifted so that there would be more inflow of Businesses and
Development.
Mr. Maxwell Awiaga, the Consul Genreal, Ghana High
Commission who represented the Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria was so
excited and joyful .He indicated that this was the first time in a long time
that such event aimed at bringing citizens of the two countries was being held
in Lagos. Mr. Awiaga, who ensured that diplomats from the Ghana High
Commission, Ghanaian citizens in Lagos and environs were in attendance,
commended the organizers and assured of the High Commission’s support in all
their plans going forward. He believes that it would be beneficial for Ghana
and Nigeria if they can effectively trade among themselves.
Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke,
the Speaker Akwa Ibom State House Of Assembly whose entry into the venue
elicited joy and excitement on the faces of already seated Guests delivered a
thought provoking and wisdom packed lecture. His achievements as speaker of a
state House of assembly even at a young age remain an inspiration to many young
people across Africa. He called on African youths to stand up and be counted as
power is not given but taken. He said that time has come when young people
needs to get involved in Economic and leadership issues. He wondered why
African countries cannot trade among themselves but find it easier to do
business with foreign countries. He called on the leadership of African
countries to device a means and strategy that would make it easy for countries
to easily do business among themselves.
Mr. Paul Drapson, the speaker of Ghana Youth Leadership
parliament who mobilized his members to attend from Ghana hoped for more
collaboration with the organizers. He stated that they are on a mission to work
with positive minded groups in championing a better future for African youth.
He invited guests to their next parliamentary seating in August.
Mrs. Talatu Ogunlana, CEO of Rare Gems Gold and Jewelry was
optimistic that the caliber of young people she saw at the event can take
Africa to the next level of development. She said that Nigerian youths are not
lazy but hardworking and positive minded. She assured of her constant and
unflinching support to the group.
The Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Center
(YESAC) was officially launched to offer a platform for unemployed people to
learn different skills so they can become useful to society rather than waiting
for Government job.
Souvenirs that included copies of Acada Magazine were shared
to participants. Several Awards were given to certain individuals for their
commitment to a better society even as they were urged to do more. Some of the
Award recipients are Sir Celestine Omehia, Rt. Hon Onofik Luke, Madam Talatu
Ogunlana, President Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo Addo, Wisconsin University, Hon.
Awaji Abiante, Chief Dn Alexander, Sam. A. Jinapor, Dr. Abbey Akinoshun, Mr. Jimmy
Eniola.
The Organizers declared that the next edition of the Summit
would hold in Abuja- Nigeria on Saturday January 26th,2019.To support the Youth
Entrepreneurship and Skills acquisition center, they can be contacted on
+233541293499, +2347062911957 ,+2348144984731. Facebook page- Ghana Nigeria
YOUTH Summit.
Email-
ghananigeriayouthsummit@gmail.com.
Website -
www.ghananigeriayouthsummit.org
No comments:
Post a Comment