Mr Solomon Ayodeji Mofolorunsho-Ogunjobi, from Osun state, Ilesha is a social activist, chartered accountant and businessman. He is the founder of Project Africa Movement. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in politics, philosophy from Obafemi Awolowo University. He speaks with Nigeria News Abroad on the vision and mission of his non-governmental Initiative, The Project Africa Movement and why he set up the movement.
Why did you set up this NGI?
I’ve lived all my life in Nigeria except for a short while of travelling out. I see the way things have been done and how things have been difficult for many people since our youth days. About two years ago I developed a passion to make a change, my focus is on the larger picture not just in Nigeria but in Africa. The change I want should happen in Africa and not just in Nigeria alone.
Project Africa Movement vision and mission is to integrate Africa, rate Africa to the next civilization, things should get better, sickness and diseases reduced, people don’t remember poverty. This is why we started the project, Africa. It is also called Project Africa Unlimited, this is to link Africans to Africa, link diaspora to diaspora. We are to initiate Job ventures, that is, we bring the technology, we bring the expertise, terrain of agriculture, the terrain of extraction of mineral resources, to bring literacy and drive away superstition from our continents. What we are trying to do is encourage Africans; living outside Africa to come and invest in Africa. To put in their talents, education, resources into the development of Africa through meaningful projects in Agriculture, education, information technology, solid minerals, etc.
What is the modus operandi of the Project Africa Movement?
The project African movement has a dedicated blog which is http://ayoogunjobi.blogspot.com. Information about our past and our current activities in Africa are found on this blog. Our focus is mainly on youth even in the diaspora because politicians don’t have the genuine interest of young people in mind. Their focus is political power.
Project Africa movement is a non-governmental initiative. We believe so much that instead of government the private sector should be the driving Force in liberating and developing Africa, government should just provide the enabling environment for youth to exhibit their wisdom and visions. Youth are leaving Africa because they find it hard to find jobs here. I also belong to a Pan-African group, one of their aims are “United Africa by 2030” we are saying “United Africa before 2030”.
Who are your sponsors and partners in this project?
Yes, we have sponsors who support us in their little ways. What we have mostly is the vision that will create jobs and drag away superstition and also bring all African countries together.
I would have mentioned the names of my partners but they chose to remain anonymous.
If the Nigeria diaspora commission backs up this project, employment and many other things will surely be available. We don’t want Africans to stay where they are seen as second-class citizens or as niggas, Africa is their home, it is them that will develop Africa when they come back. We want to work with people who are ready to fight for the soul of Africa.
What are the challenges you face on this project and how can they be solved?
Project Africa movement has been facing financial challenges because the vision is enormous. To solve this problem there is a need to carry along the governments of Africa countries. And on the financial challenge, we’ve been reaching out to friends and supporters of project Africa movements. We also need the media to help us reach out to Africans in the diaspora.
We’ve sent a message to Abike Dabiri and she requested an official email which we did but hasn’t heard anything from her till now. We have also contacted NACCIMA for support.
Do you have any message for Africans?
Yes, Africans need to take the bull by the horn we have to believe in ourselves that we can make changes and whatever change happens as to be initiated by us you should know that the future belongs to the youth. They should also see themselves as a catalyst for change
Beloved, the progress of Humanity depends on the youths of Africa. But where are they today? The majority of them have either dropped out of school or are wandering the streets in search of nonexistent jobs. Their future looks so bleak ‘cos the same set of political elites who have been in charge for the past 20 years especially in Nigeria, have no solution to their problems. Yet the youths remain docile and passive watching their future being mortgaged by clueless politicians. As you make your bed, so you will lie on it. It is up to the youths to take the bull by the horns & chase away the political elite who are toying with their future or face a lifetime of poverty & illiteracy.
I intend to identify CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE that are as passionate as I am, as regards reorientating our Youths, by inculcating into them, right values as future leaders, especially by educating them on Dangers of Drug Abuse, Prostitution, Cultism, Peer pressure, Pornography, Teenage pregnancy and other vices.
Nigeria as a nation has the largest population of black Africans gathered, together compared to anywhere else in the world. Any positive development or improvement of the standard of living of the average Nigerian will have a ripple effect on other communities in black Africa.
The country is abundantly blessed with both natural and human resources compared to most parts of black Africa.
Africa is currently the least developed continent compared to other parts of the world.
Therefore any positive change in Africa will equate to progress for humanity. This is why we have set up our NGI to encourage Diaspora investments into Africa. Only Africa can develop Africa.