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The Young African
Leadership Forum, initiated by US President, Barack Obama, is perhaps
one of the most endearing decisions taken by the U.S government to
support the talented African youth who are distinguished in various
fields. The forum recently brought together some 120 promising young
Africans from over 40 countries to the White House, to meet with the
U.S. president.

The four-day event
was organized by the U.S Department of State, in collaboration with the
White House. Discussions ranged from economic empowerment, HIV/AIDS and
governance. Key points made include: the fact that African youth have
the potential to facilitate social transformation in their individual
countries. Secondly, change must start from the mind set and it must
have a clear focus. Thirdly, change consists of small steps with
symbolic victories.

As an African, I am
glad that the American president has demonstrated genuine interest in
Africa and her emerging leaders. He also has deep knowledge of the
challenges in various problems within African countries. It is for this
reason he invited delegates from across Africa to share their vision
for Africa and explore the role the U.S can play in the actualization
of such. I see this as the beginning of a strategic partnership that
could bring about the change that we all hope for.

Nigeria should
consider the possibility of holding a similar forum, bringing together
youth and the leadership of the country to discuss issues that affect
the development of our country. Youth in Nigeria have been excluded
from governance and this is contributing to the dangerous political and
security situation in the country.

Furthermore, it is
imperative that Nigerian youth have good role models to inspire them
towards greatness. But, unfortunately this is not always the case
because most of our leaders are far from good role models. They lack
integrity and the capacity to mentor young people into selfless
leaders. Thus, while the youth constitute a significant part of the
country’s population, their influence in the polity is limited to
mediocre roles, not entirely by choice, but because this arrangement
serves the best interest of mostly first and second generation
politicians, who have maintained a solid grip on power for decades.

As part of my
contribution to youth in Nigeria, I intend to provide education that
will inspire young people to pursue their dreams and aspirations for
this great country. I witnessed the significant role youth in America
played in making history through the election of the first African
American president in America and I have no doubt that youth in Nigeria
have the potential to facilitate social transformation. But, they have
to believe.

Change is not easy

As Mr Obama has
reiterated on numerous occasions, change does not come easy. It entails
sacrifice, commitment, patience and more. As innovators for change, we
must first have a clear focus or vision. Subsequently, we should start
with small actions that translate to symbolic victories. Also, we
should always manifest change in our attitude. This may include: our
attitude towards other Nigerians, the environment, and governance.

Finally, no
external entity can give Nigerians the country of our5 dream. It is
only Nigerians that can bring about the change we want. I say to youth
in Nigeria: when are you going to be tired of being tired and do
something?

As one of the delegates to the Young African Leadership Forum, I am proud to be a Nigerian and I am also proud to be African.