Championing new narratives, identity, through Elevate Africa project (2)
Ogiame in his passion to continue to give women a voice noted that the project to elevate Africa must give special focus on empowering women adding that God has “given them tremendous birthing power”.
“We have to elevate and empower our women. God has given them tremendous “birthing” power. As African men, we need to not only tap into the creativity and birthing power in our women., but we should encourage it, support it, and elevate it. You give a woman a seed, an idea, a concept, whatever it is you give her, she will incubate, nourish and give it life.
“It’s been noted that one of the things that has plagued Africa from truly developing the way Europe and America have, is that for all our great rivers, they’re not as easily navigable as they are in the west.
“Africa is perfect. Perfect weather, perfect soil, perfect geographical location on the world map. As our minds are elevated to take advantage of these advantageous blessings, we will dominate the world.
The King further suggested, “We need to also consider packaging the past properly, as there’s been so much cultural appropriation, and deliberate misappropriation. It’s not only our artifacts that have been looted by the rest of the world, but our ideas and our concepts
“The Africa we see. Without the eyes, the window to the soul, we see nothing. Or we don’t see correctly. I’ve been seeing, again another biblical example, the image of the biblical Samson, as the strong black African man. Intimidates and makes everyone that sees him.
“It is time to start over. We don’t necessarily have to pull the house down as Samson did in life ending anger, but get our eyesight correct, as we have now taken over the narrative and direction of the conversation. And as we say in Warri, ‘we de shine our eyes’.
Daniel Ikuenobe, Co-founder ACE Analytik in his welcome address stated that the convening marks the beginning of a new chapter in Africa story adding that it is a bold vision to elevate Africa in leadership, culture, trade, innovation, and narrative.
“Elevate Africa is not just a movement; it is a call to action. We are here to elevate how Africans see themselves and how the world perceives us. The challenges before us require bold leadership, new narratives, and purposeful collaboration. Africa’s time is now.
Ikuenobe added, “We are here to elevate African leadership. For too long, our leadership has been defined by others. Today, we define it for ourselves. Our leaders are capable, visionary, and connected to their people. We are here to show that African leadership is rising, leading the way in unity, integrity, and progress.
“We are here to elevate African culture. Africa’s rich heritage, vibrant languages, and creativity will shape the global narrative. We are reclaiming our stories not as a continent in need, but as a continent of power, resilience, and innovation.
“We are here to elevate African trade and finance. Africa is home to the fastest-growing economies. With the African Continental Free Trade Area, we present a market of 1.4 billion people, ready to transform the global economy. Africa is not just a participant in trade we are a driver of global commerce.
His Excellency, Atifete Jahjagam, former President of Kosovo lauded the vision and the initiative of Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III for championing the ‘Elevate Africa and added the project capable of reshaping the way the world see Africa capitalizing on the power of the media to tell the stories of African people.
She stated, “I’m well aware of the dominant stereotypes that often define Africa in the global narrative of poverty, conflict, and underdevelopment. But let me tell you how I see Africa through my eyes. I see a continent rich in culture, diversity, and creativity, where communities are resilient, innovative, and deeply connected to their roots.
“I see young people driving change, entrepreneurs building solutions to local challenges, and a wealth of natural beauty that is second to none. Africa, to me, is not defined by its struggles but by its incredible potential, its spirit of unity, and its boundless hope for the future. The resilience of the Nigerian people, their kindness, and their deep connection to their heritage stand out as some of the many things that make this country so special.
“It’s time to change that. It’s time for the world to see Africa and countries in the global south for what they really are, places of innovation, strength, and hope.
“Platforms of discussion and exchange such as this one are crucial to dismantling these incorrect facts about Africa.
The two days event featured a panel session where keynote speakers brainstormed on topics with the themes: “Elevating Leadership: Empowering Diverse Leadership and Effective Governance for Africa Future, Elevating Africa Trade: Through Regional Partnership and Collaboration, Elevating African Trade and Commerce, Harnessing Digital Innovation for Trade Expansion, and Elevating African Stories; Celebrating Africa Resilience and Innovation through powerful stories.
“If you don’t have any good thing to say about Africa then say nothing, but if you must say something then talk about her success and growth” says Vusi Thembekwayo,
Founder & CEO, myGrowthfund Venture during one of his presentation at the elevate Africa.
Also, Senator representing Delta North at the National Assembly, Senator Prince Ned Nwoko advised African leaders to lower border restrictions, allow free movement and embrace unified currency.
He said “Africa leaders and stakeholders need to support initiatives like this to elevate Africa and must be prepared to lower travel restrictions at our borders, they should encourage free movement which will snowball to trade and investment opportunities. Above all, they should be bold to embrace unified currency just like Europe did and they’re better for it.