Africa Regional Youth Crime Prevention & Development Conference

[YOUTH CRIME WATCH OF NIGERIA]

From available statistics, over 65 per cent of crimes, civil unrest,
Internet fraud, scam, cybercrime, child labour, terrorism and
militancy are perpetrated by world citizens we could classify as
youth. It is therefore my joy to be a facilitator of this platform to
bring together, young Africans and thought leaders from all corners of
the world to help us channel a way out of negativity to positive
innovation and creative thinking that will provoke social economic
development of our great continent, Africa.

With vast abundance in human, natural and capital resources, Africa
occupies a central position in the world. Unfortunately, however,
happenings suggest that this region is wobbly due to inherent
peculiar challenges and militating factors. For instance, the
reason(s) unemployment is growing and the numbers of poverty stricken
communities and citizens are enormous in the face of abundant
resources are questions begging for answers. The present crops of
young people would do well to attempt to provide robust resolutions to
this debacle.

Amongst other reasons, it is the desire of the initiators of this
event to promote a fast-track in growth for all sectors that will
bring about job creation, ICT innovations, security, economic
development, peace and political stability; hence the need to bring
together stakeholders and partners in developmental processes to look
into these issues critically and proffer lasting solutions.

The speech by President Barack Obama when he visited Ghana not too
long ago carries weighty messages for young people in Africa. Permit
me to re-echo it extensively: “The prosperity of African can expand
other regions’ prosperity and its poverty can endanger other
continents development………”

“……..The world will be what you make of it. You have the power to hold
your leaders accountable, and to build institutions that serve the
people. You can serve in your communities, and harness your energy and
education to create new wealth and build new connections to the world.
You can conquer disease, and end conflicts, and make change from the
bottom up. You can do that. Yes you can —because in this moment,
history is on the move.”

“……..But these things can only be done if all of you take
responsibility for your future. And it won’t be easy. It will take
time and effort. There will be suffering and setbacks…Opportunity
won’t come from any other place, though. It must come from the
decisions that all of you make; the things that you do, the hope that
you hold in your heart.” - This is just what we want to achieve
through this event.