In a powerful collaboration, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, have come together to tackle Africa’s educational challenges and advocate for the continent’s renaissance. Their joint effort was highlighted at the inaugural edition of “The Africa We See” conference held in Abuja on Thursday, where they emphasized the urgent need for Africa-centric solutions to the continent’s problems.
The event, organized by Olori Atuwatse III under the Elevate Africa initiative, aimed to inspire innovative approaches tailored to the unique challenges faced by African nations.
Focus on Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development
Though Senator Tinubu was unable to attend in person, she was represented by Nana Kashim Shettima, the Second Lady of Nigeria and wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima. Speaking on behalf of Senator Tinubu, Nana Kashim Shettima underscored the administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare, education, and the digital economy. She articulated the importance of empowering African youth through quality education and innovative initiatives, stating,
“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.”
Nana Kashim Shettima recognized the vibrancy and talent of the youth, urging them to be diligent and hardworking as they represent the potential for future leadership.
Elevate Africa Initiative: Nurturing African Solutions
Olori Atuwatse III introduced the Elevate Africa initiative, which aims to crowdsource ideas, fund solutions, and showcase the brilliance of the continent. She articulated the initiative’s mission to promote African solutions to African problems while nurturing minds that can effectively address the continent’s unique challenges.
She explained that Elevate Africa seeks to rewrite the narrative about the continent by highlighting its rich realities and complexities, thereby restoring Africa’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.”
She criticized the tendency for external development agencies and Western media to define Africa, asserting that they often overlook the continent’s resilience, innovation, and joy.
A Vision for a New Africa
The overarching goal of the initiative is to elevate not only individual countries but the entire African populace. Olori Atuwatse III expressed a vision of unity, stating,
“We want to elevate people not bound by the Commonwealth of their problems, but by potential and shared destinies.”
This collaboration between Senator Tinubu and Olori Atuwatse III signals a promising shift toward fostering a more self-reliant and empowered Africa, with a renewed focus on education and youth development as cornerstones for a brighter future.