AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
At the 2024 Dorcas Oke Hope Alive Initiative (DOHAL) Foundation Day Public Lecture, speakers voiced concerns over Nigeria’s current state and encouraged young people to rise and lead. Held on Monday at the Precious Cornerstone University Auditorium, Ibadan, the theme was “Challenges of the African Child.”
Youth Leadership and National Progress
Keynote speaker Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, the founder of Future Africa and former CEO of Flutterwave, emphasized the importance of youth leadership. In his lecture, he cited Chinua Achebe’s The Trouble with Nigeria, asserting that Nigeria’s struggles stem from a leadership deficit.
Aboyeji urged young Nigerians to redefine leadership, saying it isn’t about titles but the ability to solve problems and serve others. “True leadership means asking how you can engage others to resolve issues,” he said, challenging students to apply their education practically, especially in fields like engineering.
Aboyeji critiqued Nigeria’s dependency culture, calling it “learned helplessness.” Using examples, he illustrated how young people could transform their communities, particularly if they viewed leadership as an active, service-oriented role. “There’s little that national leaders can do at the local level compared to what committed youth can achieve,” he asserted.
Redefining Leadership and Responsibility
Echoing these sentiments in his lecture, Prof. Dapo Asaju, a Professor of Religious Studies and Chairman of DOHAL’s Board of Trustees, encouraged the youth to take charge in various capacities. He highlighted the need for a new approach to leadership based on resilience, responsibility, and resourcefulness.
Asaju reminded attendees of historical figures like David, Esther, and Kwame Nkrumah, who assumed leadership in their youth. He stressed that Nigeria’s youth majority—over 60 percent—could be a transformative force in national governance if empowered and mobilized effectively.
Prof. Asaju challenged young Nigerians to take ownership of their political power, pointing out that their population strength could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape if they united against corruption and demanded accountability.
The Role of Patriotism and Skill Development
Bishop Mike Bamidele, chairman of the event, called for skill acquisition and self-sufficiency among African youth. He highlighted the need to modify the educational curriculum to meet contemporary demands and help African youth thrive. “The African child has a significant role to play in God’s plan, and it is time for Africa to rise to its potential,” he stated.
DOHAL Foundation’s Impact and Future Goals
In his opening remarks, DOHAL’s founder Bishop Francis Wale Oke celebrated the foundation’s 21st anniversary, recalling how his daughter Dorcas Oke’s tragic death inspired the organization. He outlined the foundation’s commitment to health, youth empowerment, and poverty eradication, as well as efforts to prevent deaths from counterfeit drugs. This year, the foundation provided financial support to 40 young entrepreneurs in honor of Dorcas’s 40th birthday.
Expanding the Foundation’s Mission
DOHAL Foundation’s impact extends nationwide through initiatives like youth training programmes, health outreaches, and disaster relief. Stakeholders, including board members and invited guests, commended the foundation’s work and called for continued investment in Nigeria’s youth.
The event highlighted the critical need for youth involvement, skill development, and reorientation, as Nigeria’s young population seeks to play a transformative role in the nation’s future.
The 2024 DOHAL Foundation Day Lecture was attended by notable personalities, educators, and youth, including NYSC members, underscoring the importance of nurturing the next generation to lead.
