As part of efforts to increase engagement among Africa’s youth blocs as well as create partnerships between them and other stakeholders for the continent’s development, the Youth Bridge Foundation in partnership with the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPLYDC) initiated the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat in 2019.
Committed to grooming young African leaders, the retreat provides a platform for youth across Africa to engage and exchange ideas to advance change in the area of governance in their communities. This year it was held for the second time since its inception, from 24th-26th November 2021. This edition was hybrid, the OOPLYDC hosted Nigerian youth delegates while all other youth delegates joined virtually on Zoom platform. In the two days, youth delegates had the opportunity to meet H.E Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria to ask questions on ‘The Pragmatic Youth’, the theme of the program.
Through panel discussions, participants had open dialogues on very critical issues to the continent’s development including:
- Climate Change and Africa’s Future; Examining climate change and the participation of young people in Africa
- Peacebuilding in Africa, and Building continental synergy among African youth for Africa’s development
- How young people are leveraging technology for the COVID 19 economy recovery
- Strengthening social protection systems in Africa for effective crisis response
Participants also witnessed the commissioning of the 2MW solar power Plant installed by Dantata Solar Limited for the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.