The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern States has called on African leaders to drive sustainable development by focusing on youth-centred investments and adopting strategic communication approaches.
Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of Northern CAN, made the appeal during his presentation at the Wilton Park Roundtable titled “Towards Demographic Dividends in Africa: Action and Investments,” held from July 21 to 23, 2025, in West Sussex, United Kingdom.
Speaking on the theme “Information, Communication, and Narrative,” Hayab emphasised that Africa’s youthful population presents significant economic potential but warned that this opportunity could be lost without meaningful investments in education, healthcare, and job creation. He stressed that the continent’s future depends not only on economic policies but also on how societies communicate shared values, foster trust, and actively engage young people in development processes.
“The demographic dividend is not just a technical opportunity but a moral responsibility,” Hayab stated. “Our future will be shaped by how we communicate, the values we prioritise, and how we include our people in development conversations.”
He highlighted the critical role of faith-based organisations and traditional institutions, noting their moral influence and community trust in translating policies into actionable and accepted initiatives. He urged African governments to recognise religious leaders as key partners in development and to establish long-term collaborations with them.
Hayab pointed out that churches and mosques across Africa serve as hubs for civic education, information dissemination, and value formation. When properly engaged, these institutions can mobilise grassroots support for national development strategies. He also called for a shift in narratives surrounding Africa’s population, moving from portraying it as a burden to highlighting its promise.
By amplifying stories of youth innovation, women’s leadership, and the resilience of people with disabilities, he argued, such narratives can inspire action and attract investment more effectively than statistics alone.
Addressing the challenge of misinformation, Hayab referenced the COVID-19 pandemic as a lesson in the dangers of unchecked disinformation. He noted how religious leaders played a crucial role in promoting public health messages and restoring public trust, demonstrating the power of inclusive communication.
To counter misinformation, he proposed a collaborative communication framework involving faith-based groups, youth organisations, media professionals, and civil society to ensure credible and contextually relevant messaging.
Hayab concluded by urging African leaders to prioritise human capital development and create an inclusive environment where every citizen feels valued and engaged in the continent’s growth. “Our collective future depends on building a society where no one is left behind,” he said.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
