First Lady advocates for African solutions to drive development

By Kunle Sanni

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has emphasized the importance of Africa harnessing its abundant natural resources and focusing on internal solutions to achieve significant progress in human development.

She highlighted that a crucial aspect of this endeavor is providing quality education for the continent’s youth.

The First Lady made these remarks during a meeting with the Burundian Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, at the State House in Abuja.

The meeting was detailed in a statement released by Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady.

In her address to the Ambassador, Tinubu underscored that the solutions to Africa’s challenges must originate from within, urging African nations to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood to foster development across the continent.

She also emphasized that Africa can no longer afford to take its natural resources for granted and called on leaders to prioritize the empowerment and involvement of young people in developmental efforts.

“Education is the tool for development, and I thank God that Africa has realized that the way forward is to ensure our youths are educated so that they can have their rightful place in the marketplace. I also believe that the youth must brace themselves.

When we continue to do what is right for them and lead by example, we will be able to win our youths over, so they can participate in building the next century.”

“Africa is a continent God has truly blessed, and I don’t understand why we have neglected ourselves for so long. Everything sought after in the developed world is situated in Africa. God has truly blessed us as a continent, and we should not take it for granted.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to elevating not only Nigeria but Africa as a whole to its rightful place.

“We have significant responsibilities in our country, but at the same time, we must ensure that the African continent takes its pride of place among the other continents of the world. A lot has changed in the way we do things, and Nigerians are now more accountable. We want to restore the respect Nigeria truly deserves.”

The Burundian Ambassador, Edouard Nduwimana, speaking through an interpreter, expressed his country’s appreciation for the First Lady’s interest in and support for education.

He acknowledged that Burundi has faced its share of crises but noted that the country is now on the path to peace and progress.

“Burundi is now a stable state, and peace reigns in Burundi. We have also established a commission for peace and reconciliation, and we are on our way to development due to the remarkable leadership of our current president, who has established a vision for 2040 and 2060.”

The Ambassador, who has spent seven months in Nigeria, commended the hospitality and warmth he has experienced during his stay.