Unlocking Africa’s potentials by creating an atmosphere for liberty
Bayonle Fesobi
The atmosphere among ASFL leaders last weekend (March 16, 2019) at the Nigeria Leadership Forum in Ibadan, Oyo State, was full of thought-provoking ideas --- towards for a prosperous Nigeria.
Over Seventy leaders and Local Coordinators of Nigerian Students For Liberty (SFL)—the largest pro-liberty student organization in the world—participated in the forum where they discussed the organization’s approach to contemporary issues relating to human freedom including freedom of speech, free market, and limited governments.
National Coordinator of SFL Nigeria, Bayonle Fesobi, opened discussions with his speech, ‘The Nigerian Leadership Structure,’ which highlighted the need for his colleagues to increase efforts in holding the government responsible for better policies that will drive prosperity.
Bayonle emphasized the necessity of a favorable business environment for Nigerians willing to invest in their country, especially the youth. He urged the removal of all stringent state regulations against the market. He followed this with an introduction to the organization’s goals, and structure.
SFL’s African Program Associate, Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, gave a robust insight into the essentials of communication, networking, and social media advocacy. Founder of African SFL and SFL’s Assistant Director of International Programs, Olumayowa Okediran, discussed ways through which participants can leverage on SFL’s writing opportunities to improve their public policy advocacy skills.
African SFL’s Director of Leadership and Recruitment, Adeniyi Moronfolu, discussed the rudiments of starting a campus chapter of SFL or a pro-liberty association geared towards promoting classical liberal ideas among college students.
One of the most interesting points of the forum was an interactive session anchored by the SFL’s Africa Program Manager, Linda Kavuka, on local means of fundraising for the organization. She immersed participants on how to run zero-budget events, the professional style of proposal writing, and how to brilliantly cultivate donors, especially at a time when African SFL needs to increase efforts to counter the growing repressions against human freedom on the continent.
The forum was concluded with a series of testimonies by Lilian David (African Director of Alumni Programs and Relations), Don-Elvis Ibeh (West Africa Regional Director), and Adeyemi Charles Feyisade (African Director of Academics) about how the youth can leverage on the numerous opportunities available to within the network to kickstart their careers while remaining ardent advocates of liberty.
The forum was jointly moderated by Victor Benjamin and Donald Ibewuike—two of African SFL’s outstanding members making waves across the continent.
Bayonle Fesobi is an advocate for inclusive societies and the SFL National coordinator for Nigeria. He holds a degree in political science and public administration. He is passionate about civic leadership, and informed youth participation in governance.
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