By Yemisi Suleiman

The Ooni of Ife, His Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, launches the 4th Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) with a call for unity and collaboration to shape a brighter future for Africa.

The 5-day event, themed “Africa of the Future – Better Together”, started on July 9 and will conclude on July 14, 2024. RAYLF aims to celebrate and empower 100 outstanding young leaders from 39 African nations, fostering a spirit of collective progress and development..

According to His Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi “Africa’s young population is the continent’s greatest asset, and it is crucial that we empower them to drive sustainable development and achieve our shared aspirations.”

The week-long event will feature a range of activities, including a state dinner at the Lagos State House, visits to the Dangote Refinery and the Ogun State Governor, and a cultural and educational tour of Ile-Ife town and Obafemi Awolowo University.

The highlight of the event will be the RAYLForum and Awards Ceremony, where the 100 young leaders will be recognized for their achievements in governance and leadership, innovation and technology, entrepreneurship and empowerment, creative culture, and academic excellence.

The forum will also launch the N1B WOMB project fund with SMEDAN and officially launch the “African Leopards” initiative.

The Ooni of Ife emphasized that “Africa’s youthful energy, innovative spirit, sophisticated cultural creativity, and unparalleled diversity make it an attractive destination for global attention and investment.”

The World Bank estimates that Africa’s population will reach 2.8 billion by 2060, with 65% being young and full of potential. This demographic shift presents a unique opportunity for economic growth, driven by a generation that is already making significant strides in various fields.

The RAYLF, the Ooni of Ife says, aims to harness this potential and inspire the next generation of African leaders to work together towards a prosperous and unified Africa.