Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have charged African leaders to make investment in youth a priority.
CAN asked them to adopt deliberate communication strategies to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
The chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, made tthe appeal at the Wilton Park Roundtable titled: “Towards Demographic Dividends in Africa: Action and Investments,” held from July 21 to 23, 2025, at Wiston House, West Sussex, United Kingdom.
Presenting a paper on “Information, Communication, and Narrative,” Rev. Hayab noted that Africa’s youthful population holds vast economic promise.
However, he warned that the potential will remain untapped if governments fail to invest in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and employment creation.
“The demographic dividend is not just a technical term; it is a moral obligation. If we fail to meaningfully include young people in our development thinking, we risk losing a generation that could transform the continent,” he said.
He stressed that economic policies alone cannot secure Africa’s future. According to him, how societies communicate their values, foster trust, and include youth in national conversations will significantly determine the growth trajectory.
Rev. Hayab also underscored the vital role of faith-based organisations and traditional institutions in bridging the gap between government and the grassroots. He urged African leaders to view religious leaders not merely as moral voices, but as trusted partners capable of translating complex policies into community-friendly narratives.
“Our churches and mosques are not just houses of worship, they are centres for civic education, social support, and value orientation. If fully engaged, they can drive bottom-up support for national development,” he said.
The Northern CAN chairman also called for a shift in the narrative surrounding Africa’s population growth. Rather than viewing it as a burden, he urged stakeholders to frame it as an asset, highlighting stories of youth innovation, female leadership, and resilience among people with disabilities.
“People connect more with real-life stories than data. We need to showcase the brilliance and strength within our communities. That’s how you build hope, confidence, and attract investment,” Hayab added.
He also warned of the dangers of misinformation, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study in how false narratives can undermine public trust. He credited religious leaders with helping to restore calm and reinforce accurate health messaging during that time, underscoring the need for inclusive, trusted communication channels.
To this end, Rev. Hayab advocated for a robust, multi-stakeholder communication framework that includes faith-based actors, youth organisations, media, and civil society, so that development messages are accurate, credible, and culturally relevant.
He called on African leaders to invest in human capital, promote inclusive governance, and ensure every citizen feels heard, valued, and part of the continent’s development journey.
The Wilton Park Roundtable convened stakeholders from government, international organisations, civil society, and religious communities to explore actionable strategies for unlocking Africa’s demographic potential through targeted investment and inclusive engagement.
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