A Speech Presented by Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, Executive Director of Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society – YEDIS, Osogbo, Nigeria, at the International Cities of Peace (Oluyole, Nigeria), on 21 April 2025, during the observance of the United Nations World Creativity and Innovation Day.
Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen,
I express my profound gratitude for the opportunity to address you as a Special Guest and recipient of the Peace Ambassador Award during the United Nations 2025 World Creativity and Innovation Day celebration, themed “Step Out and Innovate.”
This address is dedicated to the youth, underscoring the necessity of an intergenerational approach to foster a sustainable future. Individuals are endowed with diverse talents; however, many encounter obstacles that hinder the expression of these abilities. These challenges stem from fears associated with the unknown, misalignments with social circles, prevailing familial ideologies, cultural constraints, environmental adversities, inadequate networking opportunities, substandard educational systems, and insufficient structural conditions. To enhance innovation, it is essential to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset across all sectors. Numerous industries currently exhibit stagnation, characterized by imitation rather than the introduction of innovative approaches that would yield competitive advantages, resulting in local and unproductive outcomes.
The global community is grappling with significant challenges, particularly in African nations, where issues such as poverty, digital divides, climate change, elevated unemployment rates, environmental degradation, and economic hardships are prevalent.
A society that prioritizes creative industries experiences robust economic growth and rapid development, leading to substantive employment opportunities.
To achieve enduring peace in Africa, with Nigeria as a pertinent example, it is vital to persist in innovation by actively engaging our youth and women in entrepreneurial activities. This engagement must concentrate on promoting locally sourced businesses across various sectors, including science and engineering, culture and the arts, agriculture, trade, e-commerce, sports, and entertainment.
It is widely acknowledged that “Innovate or Die.” A nation devoid of innovation is unlikely to experience progress, and similarly, individuals or organizations that reject innovation will struggle to advance.
To the youth, mere academic accomplishment is insufficient. It is imperative to take calculated risks and to showcase one’s inherent talents. While academic qualifications confer a sense of pride and facilitate connections with creative individuals who can enhance one’s status, they may also induce a reluctance to showcase natural abilities. Although formal education provides a foundational basis for development, networking, and confidence, the true merit lies in the application of this knowledge within society. Lengthy degrees do not equate to innovation; rather, it is the societal impact and outcomes of these achievements that hold significance. Always consider how to differentiate oneself, the value added to society, the originality within one’s field, and contributions to economic advancement.
I urge government entities, private sectors, academic institutions, civil society organizations, community leaders, philanthropists, and influential members of society to encourage, support, and promote entrepreneurship and innovation as viable pathways to create meaningful employment opportunities for youth. The patronage of locally produced creative and innovative goods and services will inspire local entrepreneurs, generate employment, enhance production capabilities, attract broader interest, and facilitate economic growth.
Moreover, it is imperative for Africa to undertake decisive and intentional actions to promote green technology across diverse business sectors, thereby alleviating the impacts of the climate crisis while simultaneously creating employment opportunities.
Thank you to the United Nations and International Cities of Peace for the opportunity to express my thoughts.