Pan-African media entrepreneur Adebola Williams has urged young Africans to move beyond protests and become active participants in governance, policymaking and institutional leadership.
Williams made the call at the 13th Human Rights Forum of Essaouira in Morocco, where he discussed the importance of youth participation in Africa’s development.
Reflecting on his involvement in civic campaigns in Nigeria, including the Enough Is Enough movement, Occupy Nigeria and the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, Williams said protests remain important but are not sufficient to achieve lasting systemic change.
According to him, young people must translate civic activism into meaningful participation within public institutions.
“Power ultimately lies in institutions, and after protesting, young people and women must demand a seat at the table,” he said.
Williams also highlighted the role of Africa’s creative industries, particularly music, storytelling and digital media, in shaping the continent’s social and political future.
He announced plans for the MITTA Africa Centre, a youth-focused initiative centred on storytelling and designed to expand across African countries.
He said the initiative would provide another platform for young people to develop their voices, participate in public conversations and contribute to social change.
