UNESCO urges Youths to Restore Pan-Africa Through ICT

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation ( UNESCO ) has advised African youths to tap into the power of the Information and Communication Technology ( ICT ) for the development of the continent.

Mr Yao Ydo, the Regional Director of UNESCO, gave the advice in an interview on Friday in Lagos.

He spoke on the sidelines of the maiden edition of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria ( ACSPN ), Eminent Persons Strategy lecture series.

The event held at Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, was themed: “The 21st Century Youths and the Future of Communication in Africa”.

Ydo said embracing Pan-Africanism was necessary because most African countries, except for Nigeria, were unable to make a head way because they “are too small and weak’’.

He said while the older generation, through the UN might have failed the continent, the present youths must come together and build a united Africa.

“Build a United Nations by thinking Pan-African and less like Nigerians; build a genuine integrated Africa that the adults failed to do.

“Think of becoming friends with other Africans outside your jurisdiction, using the social media and ICT.

“Build a United Africa nationality and citizenship because the future of African nations depends on your togetherness,’’ the UNESCO chief said.

He expressed regret that the era when people traveled within African countries without travel visas had been phased out.

According to him, the free movement hitherto enjoyed during that period was an avenue to strengthen Pan-African.

“Notwithstanding with the emergence of ICT and social media now, we can reawaken the relationship online, even without traveling and we can build a united continent.’’

He said Africans would overcome their challenges “if we embrace togetherness and revive Pan-African.’’