Deputy British High Commissioner in Lagos, Ray Kyles has charged young Africans to contribute positively towards the growth and development of the African continent, saying “it is for Africans to develop Africa.”
Kyles, stated this recently during a reception in honour of the winners of this year’s The Future Awards Africa, by the British High Commission in Lagos.
While congratulating the awardees from different countries in Africa, he said the award is necessary because it gives good focus to individuals and people doing something about the development of their country.
Also, while commending the organisers of the award (The Future Project) Kyle emphasised: “It is not only about young people; what you think automatically is right people, who have invaluable ideas; who want to change things and those who want to take their country forward. All the time, we have heard about politicians and not about the people making policies, driving government and business.
“What this award really does is that it celebrates excellence; it celebrates those who stand out in terms of what they are achieving and it gives them an incentive to go further. It gives others an incentive to follow them and be like them and be as successful as they are.
“So, for us in the British High Commission, we are one among the number of sponsors who absolutely recognize the importance of such awards; the importance of recognizing what young people are doing in this country. And as we forge ahead today, it is for Africans to develop Africa.”
Some of the celebrities at the reception included multi-talented singer and producer, Dare Art-Alade; South Africa’s leading OAP, Bonang Matheba, award-winning artiste, Timi Dakolo and others.