Pan-Africanist Urges Youths To Channel Civic Energy Into Governance

Pan-African media entrepreneur and nation-builder, Adebola Williams, has called on young Africans to move beyond street protests and channel their civic energy into formal governance and institutional leadership.

Williams, who is also the founder of RED Africa and the MITTA Africa Centre, made the call while speaking recently at the 13th Human Rights Forum of Essaouira in Morocco, held alongside the Le Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde.

According to a statement by RED Africa, Williams stressed that lasting change is achieved through systems, not demonstrations alone

He reflected on his role in landmark civic movements in Nigeria, including the Enough Is Enough (EiE) platform, Occupy Nigeria (2012) and the Bring Back Our Girls campaign (2013).

He also noted that while such movements have historically driven national awareness and accountability, their impact must ultimately translate into structured participation in governance.

“Power ultimately lies in institutions, and after protesting, young people and women must demand a seat at the table,” he said, adding that meaningful transformation requires engagement in policy formulation, leadership structures and public administration.

Williams argued that protests serve as entry points for civic consciousness but are insufficient on their own to drive systemic reform.

“Protests can open the door, but power for systemic change ultimately lies in institutions. Young people and women must move from just demanding to getting a seat, participating fully in governance, policy formulation and structured leadership,” he said.

According to the statement, he also emphasised the role of culture as an emerging force for political and social transformation across the continent, adding that Africa’s creative industries, particularly music, storytelling and digital media, represent a form of soft power that must be strategically harnessed.

During the forum, Williams announced plans for the launch of the MITTA Africa Centre, an initiative he said is designed as a youth-focused platform built around four pillars, with storytelling as its central focus.

He added that the initiative is intended to expand across African countries through national centres.