{"id":106186,"date":"2025-07-26T18:34:19","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T18:34:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/ujiri-believes-africa-has-everything-to-become-great"},"modified":"2025-07-26T18:48:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T18:48:31","slug":"ujiri-believes-africa-has-everything-to-become-great","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sport\/ujiri-believes-africa-has-everything-to-become-great","title":{"rendered":"Ujiri Believes Africa Has Everything to Become Great"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Giants of Africa co-founder Masai Ujiri has called on Africa\u2019s youth to believe in their potential and take the lead to shape a stronger, more united Africa.<\/p>\n

Ujiri was speaking during Umuganda community service on Saturday, July 26, in Kigali, where more than 400 campers, coaches, dignitaries, and international guests gathered on the opening day of the 2025 Giants of Africa Festival.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have the talent. We have the people. We have the resources, yes, we have everything on this continent to be great,\u201d Ujiri said.<\/p>\n

Organized in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation and Rwanda\u2019s Ministry of Youth and Arts, the gathering highlighted the power of service, unity, and shared purpose.<\/p>\n

Ujiri emphasized that real progress comes not from waiting for change, but from creating it \u2014 together, across borders, reminding the present youth that adversity is unavoidable, but unity and resilience are the solutions.<\/p>\n

Drawing from his own childhood experience in Northern Nigeria, the former Toronto Raptors president reminded the youth that their communities and stories matter just as much as anyone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we will face adversity. Yes, we will encounter tough times… but we work through them. It doesn\u2019t require wealth to do great things; you can always improve and grow bigger, regardless of where you come from. You can become anything you want,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

He went on to challenge young people to not only dream big but to also walk with confidence and purpose, underlining that the Giants of Africa platform is only the beginning and that true leadership means going beyond it.<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire echoed Ujiri\u2019s words and urged young people to take an active role in building their country, emphasizing that national progress depends not only on government or institutions.<\/p>\n

Mukazayire commended Giants of Africa for standing with Rwanda during Umuganda, \u201cBuilding our country is not just the job of leaders; it starts with all of us, it is our responsibility. I also want to appreciate the spirit of community. Let us thank Giants of Africa and their team for joining us. It shows a shared commitment to rebuilding and restoration, not just in Rwanda but in Africa as well,” she said.<\/p>\n

The Minister called on the young people to embrace the full value of sport \u2014 not just as a game, but as a tool for learning and self-development and a life-shaping force.<\/p>\n

\u201cSport is a teacher; it teaches ability, discipline, resilience, and everything we need in life. So make the best use of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s festival\u2014running through August 2\u2014is themed \u201cA Borderless Africa.\u201d It brings together youth and mentors from across the continent and beyond to celebrate culture, sport, and leadership.<\/p>\n\r\n