Azimio leader Raila Odinga has given his reassurance in helping to nurture the youth for a better Africa.
During an official speech at Pan African Youth Convention held at Kenya School of Government, Nairobi on July 11, 2024, Raila emphasized the critical need for global leaders to support and empower the dreams of young individuals.
“Roles are reversing and we have no option but to comply…There could not be a better time for Africa and Kenya to speak about the youth. Let me state on the onset, that I have always been a firm believer in the potential and power of young people to shape the future of Africa,” Raila remarked.
At the Pan African Youth Convention, I spoke with youth leaders from Africa and the African Diaspora who are motivated to direct conversations and activities towards the Africa We Want.
I am confident in the enormous potential of African youth to move our continent forward. pic.twitter.com/PlUFSJ2yg6
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 11, 2024
Further, the Azimio boss recognized that various driving forces needed to motivate the youth, and he stressed the importance of harnessing their immense potential.
“As a leader, I remain committed to seeing a continent that provides opportunities for our young people….As leaders and stakeholders, we have a responsibility, to listen to the voices of our youth, empower their aspirations, and provide them with a platform they need to contribute meaningfully to our shared future. Their energy, idealism and determination are the driving forces behind the resurgence of Africa on the global stage. We have a duty to harness this potential,” Raila noted.
Youth will bring change
In addition, Raila revealed that he had a strong belief in the ability of youth to instigate change in Africa, adding that it was (his belief) deeply rooted in his own experiences as a young activist advocating for democracy in Kenya.
“I know firsthand that the many developments that have been achieved in Africa and here in Kenya were pushed by young people. Without fear, or doubt I can state categorically that I am honoured to be a key player in the youth movement that transformed Kenya into a democracy in my years of youth,” Azimio’s boss remarked.
Highlighting Africa’s status as the youngest continent, Raila affirmed that the solutions to Africa’s challenges lay within the youth.
“By age Africa is an extremely young continent, today, around 60% of Africa’s people are younger than 25 years…it is therefore obvious that the solution to Africa’s challenges, pressing the continent lies with the youth. The youth live with those challenges, and are expected to resolve them as we move forward…so if you do not empower them they become drug addicts, thieves and criminals…and if you empower them with knowledge and access to opportunities, then they become a powerful force for wealth creation in our society,” Raila stated.