President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on those entrusted with leadership positions in the African contingent to translate ideas into tangible actions that would impact on the well-being of Africans.

Former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, who spoke in the same vein remarked that the conversation around Pan-Africanism needs to shift toward grounded, locally relevant solutions that directly address the unique challenges within African nations.

Also, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Ms. Amina Mohammed, who underlined the need for dialogue, noted that it behooves on those in leadership positions in Africa to create the enabling environment for the upcoming generation to reposition the African continent for sustainable growth and development.

The trio spoke on Thursday at the Dr. Kayode Fayemi Commemorative Symposium to mark his 60th birthday and the launch of the Amandla Policy and Leadership Institute, with the theme “Renewing the Pan-African Ideal for the Changing Times: The Policy and Leadership Challenges and Opportunities,” held in Abuja.

Represented by his Vice, Sen. Kashim Shettima, Tinubu argued that the answers to most complex problems bedeviling Africa are no longer elusive; as they are generated in mere seconds, adding that there is the need for a generation of Africans who recognise that Pan-Africanism must be rooted in actionable sovereignty.

Stressing the need to rise above inertia and ensure that ideas do not remain ink on paper, buried in symposiums and policy documents, he said it was unfortunate that for centuries, Africa was plundered for its resources.

“For these centuries, we were mostly prophets of lamentation and despair. Today, we face an even worse risk, the risk of being plundered for our potential. This is so because the algorithms shaping global power, the AI rewriting economies, the policies dictating climate futures are being coded in distant capitals while we linger in debates over yesterday’s. The post-idea world forgives no such hesitation,” he said.

The President remarked that nature rewards only those quick to translate their ideas into actions or compete with the best ideologues and scientists from other parts of the world.

The President heaped praises on Fayemi’s legacy, from pro-democracy activism to public administration, that teaches that leadership in this era demands more than ideation but requires the stamina to execute policies and programme for the well-being of the citizenry.

Gowon argued that by fostering solutions from within, using innovation and indigenous knowledge, Africa can chart a path that reflects its heritage while embracing a modern future.

He stressed, among other recommendations, that African religions and value systems will continue to play an essential role in shaping the continent’s identity, adding these systems, rooted in spirituality, communalism, respect for nature, and social ethics, provide valuable frameworks for promoting harmony and addressing contemporary challenges.

He remarked that the central values include respect for elders, hospitality, integrity, and justice, all of which emphasize balance and collective well-being, adding as Africa modernizes, these traditions remain integral to maintaining social cohesion and moral direction, ensuring that African identity and values continue to guide the continent.

He added: “Africa must prioritize sustainable management of its resources to ensure wealth generated benefits local communities. Pan-Africanism should push for African-led initiatives, such as regional trade networks and shared infrastructure projects, to reduce reliance on external actors.”