The 12th anniversary of Realnews Magazine provided a platform for thought leaders to address Africa’s position in a rapidly changing world. Themed “Africa in World Shifting Geopolitics: Matters Arising on Demography, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Natural Resources,” the event brought together distinguished speakers who emphasized that Africa’s progress must be led by Africans.
Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, delivered a powerful keynote. He called on African leaders to strengthen institutions and adopt rule-based systems, urging them to take decisive actions to harness opportunities for the continent’s advancement. “The most decaying power is delaying power,” Gambari warned. He criticized the tendency to dwell on history while neglecting the urgency of contemporary challenges, asserting that Africa must act swiftly to establish its place in the changing global order.
Dr. Karim El Aynaoui, another keynote speaker, stressed the need for Africa to rethink its development policies and relations with the rest of the world. He highlighted the phenomenon of brain drain, known locally as the “Japa Syndrome,” as a significant challenge. According to Aynaoui, African governments must create job opportunities and develop strategies to retain young talent. “Migration has become a major obstacle to development, depleting our workforce and affecting political stability,” he said, advocating for collective efforts to address this issue at both national and intercontinental levels.
Ms. Beatrice Eyong, chairperson of the event, highlighted the vulnerabilities of women and children in conflict zones. She underscored the impact of insecurity on Africa’s development, particularly in untapped natural resources and underutilized human capital. “In times of war, women and children suffer the most. Addressing these challenges is critical for sustainable growth,” she stated. Eyong called for dynamic solutions to enhance nationalization and leverage Africa’s vast resources for inclusive development.
Maureen Chigbo, the convener and publisher of Realnews, emphasized the transformative role of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). She urged African nations to integrate these advancements into their economies to remain competitive globally. “We are in an era of rapid technological growth. Africa must tap into its resources and embrace innovation to secure its future,” she said. Chigbo encouraged attendees to apply insights from the lecture to foster growth across the continent.
The event concluded with the induction of five individuals into the Realnews Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions. Honorees included Ambassador Gambari, Dr. Aynaoui, Ms. Eyong, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, and Engr. Shehu Tijjani. The ceremony was supported by notable organizations, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Shell Nigeria, and Zenith Bank Plc.
The overarching message from the anniversary was clear: Africa’s development depends on Africans. The continent must act decisively, foster collaboration, and adopt innovative solutions to overcome challenges and harness its potential. The call to action resonated with participants, urging a united effort to build a prosperous Africa that stands strong on the global stage.