The Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, a leading ICT Training and Exam Testing Institute, Mr. Tim Akano, has called on African leaders to prioritise agricultural investment and economic diversification.
Akano, who is worried by China’s domination of the African economy, said if Africa does not rise to its responsibilities, the Asian country could enslave it as it has consistently been exploiting the region’s natural resources, especially precious economic stones and agriculture, to develop its economy.
Speaking specifically on agriculture, the New Horizons Chef Executive noted that Ghana and Ivory Coast control 60 per cent of the world’s total production of cocoa beans but warned that China’s recent export of its first cocoa to Belgium should raise concern for the continent.
He charged the youths to change their mindset about agriculture and strive to do better for the region and themselves.
Akano was speaking in Lagos during his investiture as African Patriotic Leader of the Year presented by Trans-African Youth Initiative (TAYI).
His company, New Horizons Nigeria was also awarded as ‘Most Productive ICT Company in Africa’.
African youths, he said, should build a strong network of businesses as the region would have to be united economically to grow the continent.
He stated that information technology (IT) is uncharted territory, especially regarding the Fourth Industrial Revolution, adding that with the right level of commitment and hardwork, Africans could dominate the space.
According to Akano, “To go far in life, you must pay the price. Don’t look for quick success but a lasting one because the deeper your roots, the difficult it becomes to eliminate you. And this depth is gotten through exposure to knowledge.”
