By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, have joined forces to address Africa’s education system and champion the continent’s renaissance.

The duo spoke at the inaugural edition of ‘The Africa We See’ conference in Abuja on Thursday, emphasizing the need for Africa-centric solutions to the continent’s challenges.

The event was organized by Olori Atuwatse III under the Elevate Africa initiative.

Senator Tinubu reiterated the administration’s focus on healthcare, education, and the digital economy. Although she was not physically present, she was represented by Nana Kashim Shettima, the Second Lady of Nigeria and wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Nana Kashim Shettima, on behalf of Senator Tinubu, stressed the importance of empowering African youth through quality education and innovative initiatives.

She stated, “The purpose of Mr. President’s administration has been on healthcare reforms, education, growing a digital economy, improving agricultural food security, and strengthening a more sustainable economic environment where everyone can thrive.

“Youths remain one of our greatest assets. They are vibrant, talented, and eager to learn. Infrastructural development will further enhance a world of peace.

“I urge the youths to remain diligent and hardworking, as this is where creativity, talent, and resilience can be harnessed, making them the leaders of tomorrow.”

Olori Atuwatse III launched the Elevate Africa initiative, aimed at crowdsourcing ideas, funding solutions, and showcasing Africa’s brilliance.

According to her, Elevate Africa’s mandate includes promoting African solutions to African problems, nurturing minds that understand Africa’s unique challenges, and incubating brilliance.

She explained that the initiative aims to rewrite the narrative about Africa, showcasing its rich realities and complexities, and restoring the continent’s sense of identity.

Olori Atuwatse III stated, “Think about the city that comes to mind when I say Romans, or countries you associate with first-rate education or excellent healthcare. We all have clear mental images, don’t we? Certain industries in certain countries, through storytelling, have repeatedly painted vivid pictures in our minds, shaping our subconscious perception of them.

“For decades, the world has turned to certain development agencies to predict and chart Africa’s course and to Western media, who aren’t even based here, to define who and what Africa is. But they barely scratch the surface. Our people are resilient, innovative, joyful, and light. And this is the Africa that we see.

“We want to elevate not just a country, but a people. We want to elevate people not bound by the Commonwealth of their problems, but by potential and shared destinies.

“It is time to elevate our solutions and reclaim our narratives and stories. It is time for Africans to show the world how innovative and unstoppable we are, not in America, but here in Africa.”

Lord Mayor of Entebbe Municipality, Fabrice Rulinda, criticized Africa’s educational curriculum, stating that it is deceitful and devoid of solutions to advance the continent. He called for an overhaul, emphasizing that Africans must drive solutions to their own challenges.

He said, “The educational curriculum has been and is still flawed. Children are still told that Mungo Park ‘discovered’ the Niger River, even though we were already living there. Why can’t I say I discovered the River Thames?

“The problem of Africa is the youths, and solutions to our challenges must come from us. Those who gave us churches are building industries, while we rely on protection by the blood of Jesus.

“Education and civilization started in Africa. Today, we are seen as backward, selfish, and happy to be called titles like ‘honourable’ when, in reality, we’re not doing the right thing.”

Kim Schofield, a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, praised Elevate Africa as a platform for fostering deep relationships, connections, and empowering solutions.

“Africa’s greatest asset is its people. The wealth of knowledge, trends, traditions, experiences, history, and innovations that exist must be celebrated, nurtured, and shared. When we convene together, we bring the best of both worlds – global leaders, national leaders, tomorrow’s leaders,” Schofield stated.

The conference brought together global and national leaders, as well as future leaders, to unleash Africa’s potential. With Africa’s time considered now, the conference urged youths to remain diligent, harnessing creativity, talent, and resilience to drive the continent’s renaissance.