The Pan African Youth Convention has endorsed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson seat.
The youth lobby, whose membership is drawn from 13 African countries, said there is no better person to steer the “African boat” than Raila towards actualisation of the Africa Union Agenda 2063.
“As a staunch Pan-Africanist and a firm believer in the African renaissance, Odinga has the unparalleled ability to reflect on the actions of our fore-bearers and connect the past to the present and our aspirations for the future of all people of African descent within and beyond our motherland Africa,” the group said in a statement.
The Pan African Youth Convention brings together notable youth leaders with proven transformative and impactful programme, policymakers, academicians, young top government officials, young captains of industry, youth influencers, and young women leaders from across Africa and the African Diaspora.
Members of the group are drawn from Sierra Leone, Uganda, Cameroon, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, DRC, South Sudan, Mozambique and Central African Republic.
Pan African Youth Convention added that Raila is a statesman with a distinguished career in public service and outstanding leadership as Minister, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development.
The lobby further said Raila has espoused diligence, integrity, selflessness, democratic ideals and a rare grasp on continental infrastructure connectivity and its salient role in linking African markets and promoting free movement of people as a pillar of the African Renaissance.
It added that Raila has an authentic vision buttressed by superior ideas on how to steer the African Renaissance.
“He refuses to shy away from the very real challenges of Africa; he is optimistic, solid and fervent with a fire burning in his belly to cause progressive change across the continent.”
The group said Raila is honest and clear about what needs to be done and keen to stand out to be counted and make that much awaited difference.
“We declare our unwavering support towards the candidature of Raila Amollo Odinga as the next African Union Commission Chairperson,” the group said in a statement.
