The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has called for greater investment in youth leadership and entrepreneurship as a pathway to Africa’s development.
Offiong made the call when members of the Grow Africa Youth Initiative paid a courtesy visit to the University Management in Calabar.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Ekaette Enang, the Vice-Chancellor said empowering young people was essential because “targeting youths means targeting the nation.”
She noted that youth-focused programmes could equip young Africans with leadership skills and inspire them to become responsible leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
The Vice-Chancellor also assured the delegation of the university’s continued partnership in grooming young people with innovative ideas that could contribute to the development of Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking during the visit, the President of Grow Africa Youth Initiative, Comrade Ozim Temple, said the organisation was focused on developing youths through leadership and entrepreneurial training.
Temple explained that the initiative aims to position young Africans to contribute to the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to transform the continent into a global powerhouse.
He said the organisation would collaborate with experienced leaders, institutions and other stakeholders to provide young people with opportunities for growth and leadership development.
Temple also announced the flag-off of the Regional Exchange Programme, themed “Stay Back in Africa,” aimed at encouraging youths, professionals and experts to remain on the continent and contribute to its development.
The visit featured presentations, the decoration of the Vice-Chancellor’s representative with Kwame Nkrumah’s Kente fabric and the presentation of a plaque to the Vice-Chancellor.
The Secretary General of the initiative, Hon. Akufor Donald, also attended the event.
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