TakingITGlobal - Panorama - In 20 Years: My...

Published on: Aug 19, 2005

Topic:

Type: Opinions

https://www.tigweb.org/express/panorama/article.html?ContentID=6062

As a youth involved in development works, I have so much prospects for the future and, I don’t see myself being part of the mainstream that believes African plights are traditional and will always be there. I believe so much in harnessing patriotic initiatives, relentless efforts and creative strategies in the quest for a better Africa. That’s why I shall be shedding some light on the above issue in my own way.

The MDGs and Africa’s Renaissance: Any Difference?

The Millennium Developments Goals (MDGs) are a set of eight goals brought alive by great world leaders (including African Leaders). A critical diagnosis into these goals will clearly show they constitute the fundamental elements of the envisioned Africa Renaissance. In fact, from my view, I see these goals as the basic African developmental needs.

MDGs for 2015 – We Need 20 Years!

Hence, my plans for the future (20 years from now, in this case) should begin by advising that all Africans grasp the MDGs as primarily for us. Awareness programmes should be done to inform, inspire and encourage people’s involvement and action towards the realization of these goals. Let the people know what roles the government, the private sector, the civil societies and the people themselves have to play in achieving these goals. I can assure you, less than 20% of Africans know about the MDGs. This is not encouraging for a national rebirth!

What I see to be the most paramount about the MDGs is achieving them. Although, the set time for these goals is ten years from now, let’s be sincere with ourselves; Africa cannot completely meet up with them all by this time. But, if given more time, in this case let’s say 2025, I am envisaging we could adopt the analyzed strategic plan below in our pursuits:

2005 – 2010: MDGs/Africa’s Renaissance campaign and concrete awareness programmes, resources acquisition, and capacity building.

2010 –2015: Strategizing and policy formulation which should involve: youth, the government, the private sector, international community, etc.

2015- 2020: Effective Implementation and Execution of the adopted plans and strategies.

2020-2025: Effective plans towards the consolidation and sustainability of the projects and policies executed.

The Youth and Africa’s Renaissance

The most important human sector that should be part of the development process, right from when the ideas were born to the time they were executed and beyond, should be the youth. It is only the youth that has the energy and full drive to implement whatever plans the elders have strategized. The youth is the most important factor to consider when sustainability is brought into focus.

The youth must be empowered and encouraged to be involved in every activity aimed at developing Africa. The larger percentage of the African Youth have pressing empowerment needs in terms of sound and basic education, ICTs facilities, favorable economic environment, reproductive health fitness and, protection against epidemics, such as HIV/AIDS.

We all know it is only the youth that will be part of today and the future. Hence, since all our plans are for the future, the older generation have no better option than to make the youth the pivot of all its activities. In conclusion, I can see Africa’s Renaissance hatching in the next twenty years provided we explore the provisions embedded in the MDGs and every individual in the African society (the youth being the pivot) supports and takes result oriented actions towards a better, conducive and comfortable Africa.

Please, be the change!

Executive Director, AADI Nigeria
234-8027818442, 234-36139201

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by EMMANUEL AKAPO
Published on: Aug 19, 2005
Topic:
Type: Opinions
https://www.tigweb.org/express/panorama/article.html?ContentID=6062


As a youth involved in development works, I have so much prospects for the future and, I don’t see myself being part of the mainstream that believes African plights are traditional and will always be there. I believe so much in harnessing patriotic initiatives, relentless efforts and creative strategies in the quest for a better Africa. That’s why I shall be shedding some light on the above issue in my own way. The MDGs and Africa’s Renaissance: Any Difference? The Millennium Developments Goals (MDGs) are a set of eight goals brought alive by great world leaders (including African Leaders). A critical diagnosis into these goals will clearly show they constitute the fundamental elements of the envisioned Africa Renaissance. In fact, from my view, I see these goals as the basic African developmental needs. MDGs for 2015 – We Need 20 Years! Hence, my plans for the future (20 years from now, in this case) should begin by advising that all Africans grasp the MDGs as primarily for us. Awareness programmes should be done to inform, inspire and encourage people’s involvement and action towards the realization of these goals. Let the people know what roles the government, the private sector, the civil societies and the people themselves have to play in achieving these goals. I can assure you, less than 20% of Africans know about the MDGs. This is not encouraging for a national rebirth! What I see to be the most paramount about the MDGs is achieving them. Although, the set time for these goals is ten years from now, let’s be sincere with ourselves; Africa cannot completely meet up with them all by this time. But, if given more time, in this case let’s say 2025, I am envisaging we could adopt the analyzed strategic plan below in our pursuits: 2005 – 2010: MDGs/Africa’s Renaissance campaign and concrete awareness programmes, resources acquisition, and capacity building. 2010 –2015: Strategizing and policy formulation which should involve: youth, the government, the private sector, international community, etc. 2015- 2020: Effective Implementation and Execution of the adopted plans and strategies. 2020-2025: Effective plans towards the consolidation and sustainability of the projects and policies executed. The Youth and Africa’s Renaissance The most important human sector that should be part of the development process, right from when the ideas were born to the time they were executed and beyond, should be the youth. It is only the youth that has the energy and full drive to implement whatever plans the elders have strategized. The youth is the most important factor to consider when sustainability is brought into focus. The youth must be empowered and encouraged to be involved in every activity aimed at developing Africa. The larger percentage of the African Youth have pressing empowerment needs in terms of sound and basic education, ICTs facilities, favorable economic environment, reproductive health fitness and, protection against epidemics, such as HIV/AIDS. We all know it is only the youth that will be part of today and the future. Hence, since all our plans are for the future, the older generation have no better option than to make the youth the pivot of all its activities. In conclusion, I can see Africa’s Renaissance hatching in the next twenty years provided we explore the provisions embedded in the MDGs and every individual in the African society (the youth being the pivot) supports and takes result oriented actions towards a better, conducive and comfortable Africa. Please, be the change! Executive Director, AADI Nigeria 234-8027818442, 234-36139201 « return.