JKF @ 60: Fayemi’s Amandla Institute Will Not Only be for African Thinkers, But for Doers — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has commended the establishment of the Amandla Institute for Policy & Leadership Advancement, founded by Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Mrs. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi.
Speaking at the unveiling of the institute and his celebration of 60th birthday, Tinubu stated that the Amandla Institute will not only be a hub for thinkers but also a catalyst for doers.
He emphasized that the world has transitioned into a post-idea era, where the abundance of ideas is no longer the problem, but rather the lack of action and execution.
Tinubu praised Fayemi’s vision, highlighting that the Amandla Institute is designed to bridge the gap between ideas and action.
He noted that the institute’s focus on policy reports, high-level dialogues, leadership salons, and training programs will empower leaders to translate their ideas into tangible progress.
The President who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima also acknowledged the significance of the institute’s name, “Amandla,” which means “power” in the Xhosa and Zulu languages.
He emphasized that the institute’s mission is to reclaim Africa’s agency and promote actionable sovereignty.
The launch of the Amandla Institute coincides with the 60th anniversary of John Kayode Fayemi’s birthday.
“We are not here to be spectators in the post-idea world. The pace of change will not pause for Africa’s historical grievances or applaud our elegies for lost time,” Tinubu said.
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“Regret, as the opening stanza warns, writes history in the ink of ‘what if.’ The Amandla Institute must be a furnace where regret is melted into resolve; it must be a place that trains leaders to ask, ‘What will I break, build, or bet my legacy on today?'”
Tinubu emphasized the importance of African leaders taking charge of their own destiny. “Africa seeks collaboration, not patronage. This is the vision I expect Amandla to convey to the world. We are not a testing ground for experiments but equals in co-creating solutions.
He concluded by urging the younger generation to take action. “My candid advice for the African youth is that you are the first generation with tools to leapfrog colonial legacies.
For those of us privileged to lead you through this interesting time, we must never forget that our legacy can only be sustained by the systems we institutionalize.
Meanwhile, General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, who also spoke at the event, emphasized the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to service.
Gowon commended Fayemi’s leadership, citing his exemplary service as Governor of Ekiti State and Minister of Mines and Steel Development.
Gowon highlighted the significance of the Amandla Institute, which aims to uplift and empower individuals through education, healthcare, and infrastructural development.
He emphasized that every person deserves access to opportunities that enable them to thrive and contribute to society.
The former Head of State also reflected on the evolution of Pan-Africanism, stressing the need for a more practical approach that addresses internal realities.
He advocated for localized solutions, practical education, African-centered peacebuilding, and sustainable management of natural resources.
Gowon congratulated Fayemi on his milestone birthday and the launch of the Amandla Institute. He urged attendees to join forces and foster collaborations that ensure the institute’s success.
“By working together, they can create a brighter future for generations to come, one that is guided by African identity and values”, he added.
The event was attended by prominent political figures, past governors, former Ministers, Diplomats and others
By PRNigeria
