Obama's visit - Why droop when there are gains to plug into?

Its no longer news President Obama has since visited Africa with his family and long returned to attend to more pressing homeland issues, without a visit to the so-called giant(snoring giant) of Africa called Nigeria.
Many views and opinions have been expressed on the implication the snub portends for Nigeria. I share in some of these views but it is important the youths take a look at the gains his visits portends for Africa.

From the President's opening remarks at the town hall meeting with the youths, one thing stands out- America has lost hope in the crop of old corrupt politicians on display in our political scene. Nigeria as a case study has a perfect mechanism for recycling old guards who have since mastered the act. America looks towards collaborations between young Africans and America in no time soon. Young minds have no better opportunity than to be prepared for the task ahead if the future has to be bright.

The challenges posed/faced yesteryear's is no different from today. As elucidated by President Obama- Robert Kennedy's speech to young Africans in the times past epitomizes and demand "the quality of youth; not a time in life, but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease". This is whom we are, what we are, the stuff we are made of,our identity and attitude.

Like the phoenix that rises from the dead ash, we must awake from our slumber. we've slept for too long. But wait a minute! to succeed in the new world we need skills, capacity development and proper training.

Enterprising young minds should as a matter of urgency key into the President's initiative on capacity building, civil leadership, public administration, business and entrepreneurship skills ( The Washington Fellowship for young African Leaders). Such a fellowship gives an opportunity for interactions, cross-fertilization of ideas and possibly connections with a strong matrix of African and Americans ready to collaborate on the future gains we all hope for.

I want to believe President Obama would hold strong to his words and promises on the provision of grants and internship placement in American firms and establishment in Africa for skill development, mentoring and job opportunities.

Weep no more youths, look-up from whence comes your help.

                                             OGHAGHARE ESE FREEMAN
                                         (Public commentator, environmentalist and publisher)