The Honourary High Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero, has called for stronger grassroots partnerships to nurture Nigerian youth and deepen relations between Nigeria and Colombia.

Romero spoke at the Civic Voices Art Forum and Exhibition, themed: “Art for Accountability and SDG Acceleration,” held at the Monaliza Park, Garki, Abuja.

The event was organised under the Civic Influencers Programme convened by Godwin Lasisi, a public health professional and advocate for Sustainable Development Goals.

MrLasisi convened the event as part of the Civic Influencers Programme, which he leads to champion change and civic engagement among young Nigerians.

The Colombian envoy explained that advocacy was about empowering others rather than seeking attention.

She said, “The purpose of advocacy is to give people a voice, not take it away. Being an advocate doesn’t mean being the loudest person in the room, it means being responsible with the voice you have.”

Romero, who is also the founder of Create My Future (CMF) Foundation, said the initiative was established in 2019 to support underprivileged children through education, creative arts and life skills.

She stated that the foundation started with 16 children and now supported about 90, in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), covering academic support across schools in Abuja and Jos.

The envoy said CMF had since expanded its focus beyond academics to include creative and performing arts, sports and social-emotional learning, to help children build critical thinking, self-esteem and resilience for an uncertain future.

Speaking on her motivation, Romero said her commitment to Nigeria was rooted in personal ties.

“The same love I have for Colombia is the same love I have for Nigeria. I cannot live here this long, be married to a Nigerian, be a mother to Nigerian children, and not contribute a little to the communities that have welcomed me,” she said.

On challenges facing the foundation, Romero said funding and human capacity remained limiting factors.

The Colombian diplomat noted that meeting international standards often demanded rigorous paperwork, even as the foundation’s impact continued to be felt within communities.

She said CMF had benefitted from partnerships with young talents, including a United Nations youth fellow engaged through the UN Development Programme’s youth placement scheme.

Speaking on her vision for the next five years, Romero said she hoped to grow the foundation beyond its current capacity, and attract more partners.

She said she would eventually establish a school-like structure to help underprivileged children harness their talents, particularly through the arts, as a tool for change and development.

A former Nigerian international footballer, Daniel Amokachi, who attended the event, spoke on using sports as a tool for social change and youth empowerment.

The convener, Mr Lasisi, who spoke on the role of young people in driving development, encouraged participants to explore their potential as agents of positive change in their communities.

The event also featured a presentation by participants of the Creative Civic Voices competition, where students showcased spoken word, paintings and dance performances centred on civic themes.

The forum focused on the role of creativity and civic participation in shaping positive change and development.

The event also featured a civic arts exhibition and an awards presentation to outstanding entries and civic ambassadors.

(NAN)