The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, alongside his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, hosted the inaugural Elevate Africa Global Convening under their non-governmental organization, Elevate Africa.
According to The PUNCH, the two-day event, themed ‘The Africa We See’, took place on October 10 and 11, 2024, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The gathering brought together influential speakers and thought leaders from across the continent and beyond, featuring a diverse array of activities, including speeches, breakout sessions, power room discussions, and strategic leadership dialogues.
On the first day, Olori Atuwatse passionately addressed the theme of changing Africa’s narrative.
She emphasized, “For too long, the world has shaped its view of Africa through a narrow lens, ignoring our great realities. Through various platforms, we seek to tell the authentic African story.”
Her remarks resonated with many attendees, who shared her vision of rebranding Africa through authentic storytelling.
A standout moment of the convening was the attendance of pop sensation Davido, who also took the stage to share his perspective on the continent.
He highlighted his efforts to shift perceptions about Africa, particularly in the entertainment industry.
Davido noted, “The way Africans are viewed has changed,” and he remarked on the amazement expressed by his friends and colleagues from abroad when they visit Nigeria.
“Whenever I invite any of my colleagues or friends from outside Africa into Nigeria, they are amazed at how developed the country is,” he said, reinforcing the message of progress and opportunity within the continent.
The Vice President’s wife, Nana Shettima, also delivered an impactful speech, focusing on the critical roles that youth play in Africa’s development.
She underscored the importance of government intervention and the need for youth empowerment, urging the younger generation to remain dedicated to hard work in their pursuits.
Throughout the event, engaging panels featured esteemed speakers, including Walton Gilpin, the MD/CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone; Tim Hanstad, Vice-Chairman of the Chandler Foundation, Singapore; and Fabrice Rulinda, the Lord Mayor of Entebbe Municipality in Uganda.
Other notable participants included Serah Makka, Executive Director for Africa at One; Jane Kimemia, CEO of Optiva Capital Partners; Juanita Sheppard, VP of Foundation and Government Partnerships at United Way of Greater Atlanta; and Melida Harris-Barrow, CEO of the 6th Region Global Chamber of Commerce.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by captivating musical performances from Davido and fellow artist Teni Apata, who entertained guests with their energetic sets.
Award-winning poet Maryam Bukar-Hassan, known as Alhanislam, also graced the stage, captivating the audience with her poignant poetry.
Among the many distinguished speakers were Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; Akinwumi Adesina, CEO of the African Development Bank; Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State; former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; Chantal Fanny, Vice President of the Senate in Ivory Coast; Fela Durotoye, Founder and CEO of Gemstone Group; Jewel Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia; Femi Bakre, MD of Paralex Bank; Olori Boye-Ajayi, Managing Partner at Borderless Trade Network; Debola Deji-Kurunmi, Founder of IMMERSE Coaching Company; and veteran actress Hilda Dokubo, among many others.
The Elevate Africa Global Convening successfully sparked meaningful discussions and collaboration, all aimed at reshaping the narrative surrounding Africa and highlighting the continent’s potential on the global stage.
