Joseph Nyuma Boakai, former Vice-President of Liberia, has disclosed that for insurgency and insecurity will to be eradicated in the continent, African leaders must assure the youths of secure and bright future.

He made the declaration on Sunday at a press conference at Chrisland University in Abeokuta.

Boakai who was the chairman and a keynote speaker during the just concluded International Pan-African Conference, organised by CEOAFRICA in collaboration with Chrisland University, was billed to speak on ‘Challenges of Sustainable Growth and Development in Africa’.

The former vice president admonished African leaders to make the well-being of the youths top priority, adding that opportunities must be created for them to thrive in their respective endeavours.

He explained that apart from providing qualitative education, job opportunities and good medical services, social infrastructure must be made available for youths in order to promote security.

 He said, “I believe the issue of insecurity is related to the issues of underdevelopment, hopelessness and the lack of confidence that the country can provide.

 “If you begin to invest in your country and improve the condition of people and building that love of the country in people, that they can live in peace and can find equitable return to their efforts, the young will begin to see value in themselves and there should be no reason for serious conflict.

“The youths need to be assured, Chrisland is a university intended to enlighten the young people but the young people must be assured that after all the learning, they would be provided jobs  that would be able to pay them, to provide opportunity for them to serve.”

 He added, “They need assurance, confidence and support about development, good medical services, and good paying jobs. I think when we do that, the youth won’t want to destroy their future for which they are learning. They need that hope demonstrated by the leadership, good governance.”

On her part, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, said the conference was meant to attract brilliant minds across Africa to discuss the challenges militating against development in the continent and proffer solutions.”