Seun Awogbenle is a communications specialist with extensive knowledge of Media relations, Public relations, and Creative writing. Over the years, he has gained professional experiences spanning across various fields in media. He has a proven track record of excellent leadership and is looking to continuously improve his knowledge of various public policies and communications-related issues. In his free time, he is an effective public speaker.
Below is a summary of the interview Reawakening The Giant of Africa with Seun Awogbenle.
Seun Awogbenle is a youth advocate and when asked what drives him, he says that the belief Nigeria’s young population can maximize the country’s potential and use it to our benefit is his major driving force. He believes that the country’s greatest assets are the youth and it is yet to be unleashed.
Responding to a question about whether Nigeria is the Giant of Africa, he begins to break down the numbers and percentages that represent the ratio of Nigerian youths compared to other areas of Africa and it shows Nigeria represents 40% of Africa’s GDP and by 2050 we would be the 3rd most populous country in the world. The issue now is most of these youth have no job or source of income because the government has failed the youth which has led them to turn to other alternatives. He says we haven’t been able to fully take charge because there isn’t inclusion at all levels, the Nigerian system does not encourage creativity or innovation and this has resulted in youths that are unable to create solutions for themselves in this problem-ridden system.
The fundamental problem in the country is job availability and the government has to begin to actively work on creating jobs and encouraging productivity. On the other hand, there are some outstanding young people that have begun to make an impact both in the corporate and entrepreneurial world and that is admirable.
Seun says as people we have the ability to force the hand of the government to attend to our needs, we can make them affect decisions that work to our advantage only when youths begin to understand their levels and stand for values. He stresses the fact that social media is the new way of work and things are changing, it is only natural that the nation changes and evolves along with the world that is if they want to survive.
He says nation-building is the collective responsibility of both the government and the citizens. He wants us the get rid of all the barriers and stereotypes that have been used to exclude young people over time. When asked about the Nigerian dream, he says he believes we do not have a Nigerian dream presently and only a strong purposeful leader can help us achieve this.
A question regarding the nonchalance of people to certain issues because they believe it is not their problem was raised, and Seun says it’s actually not their fault when we live in a country where our needs are barely being met and poverty is rampant. The basic man is struggling to survive, so most do not bother themselves with such issues, therefore, if the government stands up to their responsibilities things would definitely change.
The issue is youths using illegal means to make money under the umbrella of “hustle” was also raised and Seun clarifies saying the moral fabric of the country has been shredded. People no longer care about values and all that, and this needs to be changed for the better.
Concluding, he says he knows the economy is harsh but we cannot afford to lose hope. Hope is invaluable and priceless. But with hope, we must also put these things into action. Try to vote, stand up for your rights and change your standard of living.
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