By Ify Onyekwere
Communications Officer of YALI Network Abuja, Nigeria, Boluwatife Adekanye, shared powerful takeaways from the recent Interactive Dialogue on Building a Sustainable Africa, organized by Future Perspectives in collaboration with Access Bank Plc and Africa Fintech Foundry. The event brought together influential voices, including former Nigerian Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo and Gregory Jobome, to explore Africa’s potential to drive global sustainability.
Adekanye, an advocate for youth engagement, captured the essence of the discussions, emphasizing Africa’s unique opportunity to lead in climate action. Reflecting on Professor Osinbajo’s remarks, Adekanye highlighted the continent’s abundant resources as a game-changer. “Africa possesses the capacity to combat climate change if it takes it seriously. With our mineral wealth, we can outpace other continents in advancing renewable energy,” he quoted Osinbajo.
A key theme Adekanye underscored was the importance of inclusivity, particularly in bridging the gender gap in climate action. He echoed the call for women to harness the power of collaboration and join networks that amplify their participation in sustainability efforts.
For Africa’s youth, Adekanye emphasized the urgency of skill acquisition and self-education to unlock emerging opportunities. “Opportunities exist, but without the right skills, we risk letting them slip by,” he shared, inspired by the dialogue’s focus on empowering young people to lead.
Adekanye also spotlighted the benefits of embracing a green industrial path. He noted Professor Osinbajo’s example of the bauxite industry, where adopting sustainable practices could reduce annual gas emissions by 1%. “This demonstrates how early adoption of green practices can create both economic and environmental gains,” Adekanye explained.
In his reflections, Adekanye captured the critical takeaway from the dialogue: Africa is at a pivotal moment. “Our continent has the potential to be the world’s saviour or its nemesis, depending on how we approach sustainability,” he concluded.
Through his participation and insights, Boluwatife Adekanye continues to inspire young Africans to pursue global relevance and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s sustainability journey. His engagement with platforms like YALI Network Abuja exemplifies his commitment to fostering a generation ready to seize opportunities and dominate the global stage with innovation and purpose.
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