By Etop Ekanem

Hundreds of young Africans gathered at the maiden edition of the Social Innovators and Leadership Boot Camp, which held in Delta State from December 4-7. 

The event, themed “Young and Useful: Shaping The Society Through leadership and Innovation,” brought together young leaders from across Nigeria and other African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ghana.

According to Ambassador Elvis Akpobi, Convener and Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Youth Mentoring and Development, the boot camp aimed to provide a platform for young Africans to discuss ways to shape society through leadership and innovation. 

He said: “We want to bring young Africans together to have conversations on shaping our society through transformational leadership and innovation. This is a forward-thinking approach to tackling the issues bedeviling democracy and leadership in Africa.” 

The delegates, who were elated for being part of this epoch event,  commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his massive support for youth development initiatives in Delta State.

“Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to youth development is inspiring,” said one of the delegates, adding:

“His various youth-led initiatives and inclusion in governance have made a significant impact.”

The event featured notable speakers, including Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Nexim Bank, Hamzat Lawal, CEO of Connected Development, serial entrepreneur, Ijeoma Madu among others.

The speakers emphasized the need for strengthening institutions and youth participation to address Africa’s leadership crisis.

The boot camp was sponsored by the Delta State Government and the Nigeria Youths Futures Fund (NYFF). 

The Not-Too-Young-To-Lead initiative, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Youths Mentoring and Development, organised the event.

As Akpobi noted, “We believe that young people have the power to shape the future of Africa. This boot camp is just the beginning of our efforts to empower young Africans to become leaders and change-makers.”