Abuja , Nigeria – Mediaage NG News – The Special Adviser to the Nigerian President, on PEBEC and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole on Thursday said Africa’s incredible potential lies not in its minerals but, on its people. Therefore, transformative leadership is what is required to unlock disruptive innovations, especially for the youth who are at the vanguard of innovation.
She revealed this while delivering a keynote address at the Social Innovators Programme and Awards in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
In an event tagged “Maximising Africa’s Potential Through Disruptive Leadership And Innovation Dr. Oduwole disclosed that for Africa to continue to be at the forefront and contribute immensely to the knowledge landscape in scientific, technological, health education and entertainment sectors, its leaders must embrace leadership as crucial, as it shapes the vision and direction of nations and organisations, influencing the narrative on the global stage.
“Clearly, the continent is ripe with opportunities in innovative ideas to address the many gaps in our development, she said.
“We have the ability to rise to the challenge and make rapid pace of innovative disruptions globally.
“Leadership is crucial. Effective leaders drive innovation, forcing economic growth, technological advancement and social progress.”, she added.
Dr. Oduwole also revealed that African leaders must acknowledge the challenges that countries in the continent are currently facing and should take steps to address them. “We can have a more inclusive and equitable development of our continent”, she said.
“If we are truly open to new ideas and new ways of doing things, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
“However, in order to embrace the new, we must be willing to open our hearts, minds and hands. It is left for us to discuss the future we want, how we can achieve it as innovators, both individually and collectively, leveraging on creativity, innovation and technology for good governance.
She said in a world increasingly defined by disruptive innovations and transformative leadership, it is vital to ask where is Africa in the scheme of things, and while developed nations have been at the forefront of technological advancement, environmental stewardship, Africa stands in the brink of an extraordinary journey.
“Africa’s incredible potential lies not in its minerals but, its worth is in its people”, Oduwole enumerated.