Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has called on African countries to focus on empowering and involving their youth in development efforts.
She also emphasized the need for the continent to seek solutions internally, beginning with proper education for its youth, to fully utilize its abundant natural resources and achieve significant progress in human capital development.
Tinubu made these remarks during a meeting with Burundian Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, at the State House in Abuja.
This was revealed in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Mrs. Busola Kukoyi, titled, “First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Receives Burundian Ambassador to Nigeria; Calls for Retooling of Education to Drive Development on the Continent.”
In her address to the ambassador, the First Lady stressed that Africa’s challenges can only be solved by Africans themselves. She highlighted the need for African countries to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood to foster continental development.
She emphasized that the era of taking Africa’s natural resources for granted is over. “Education is the key to development, and I’m grateful that Africa has realized that educating our youth is the way forward.
This will ensure they claim their rightful place in the global marketplace. Our youth must also understand the importance of preparing themselves for the future,” she stated.
Tinubu expressed her belief that by setting the right example and providing the necessary support, African leaders can inspire the youth to actively participate in building the continent’s future.
“Africa is blessed, and it’s high time we stopped undervaluing ourselves. Everything sought after in the developed world can be found here in Africa. We must no longer take our blessings for granted,” she added.
The First Lady also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to elevating Nigeria and Africa to their rightful positions on the global stage, noting,
“While we have significant responsibilities within our own country, we must also ensure that Africa secures its place among the world’s continents.”
She further remarked that Nigerians are now held accountable for their actions, and the goal is to restore the respect that Nigeria deserves.
Meanwhile, Burundian Ambassador Edouard Nduwimana, speaking through an interpreter, expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s interest in and support for education.
He acknowledged that Burundi has faced its share of challenges but is now on the path to peace and progress.
“Burundi is now a stable country, and peace prevails. We have established a commission for peace and reconciliation, and under the visionary leadership of our current president, we are working toward development with a vision for 2040 and 2060,” Nduwimana stated.
The ambassador also expressed appreciation for the hospitality and warmth he has received since beginning his tenure in Nigeria seven months ago.
Since both countries gained independence in the 1960s, Nigeria and Burundi have maintained diplomatic relations.
Nigeria has played a significant role in supporting peace and development initiatives in Burundi, particularly during times of political instability.
As a regional power, Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping missions in Burundi through the African Union and United Nations.
The two countries have also explored opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, though trade volumes remain modest. In 2022, Nigeria’s main exports to Burundi included processed tomatoes, while Burundi primarily traded hides and skins with Nigeria.
