Book excerpt: "The current population youth bulge in Africa highly commends the timeliness of this insightful publication, focusing on the life stories of young people who have persevered to surmont interminable difficulties in order to make something of their future. The powerful messages conveyed in the publication are of relevance not only to the youth of Africa who should be motivated by these worthy role models to also teach for the skies. The conviction that problems can be overcome, no matter the odds. It should equally convert policy makers to more proactively co-opt the energies of the youth, in order to unleash their latent potential, towards accelerated political and economic transformation of the continent. May there be more visionary luminaries like Olubanke King-Akerele in Africa's search for progress." -Dr. Mary Chinery-Hesse, Member of the Panel of the wise of the AU, Former Chief Advisor to the President of the Republic of Ghana & Deputy DG of the International Labor Organization (Retired) This book "Growing" of Africa's Emergent Leadership offers more than a mere publication about Africa's Youth and improvement programs. Even though they are without doubt the backbone of Africa's further expansion, Olubanke King-Akerele's work on the "Growing" of Africa's Emergent Leadership is both inspiring and exceptional, just as Olubanke herself. But above all, she is a visionary and this is exactly what Africa needs. Africa is now leading continent, which needs visionaries to further strengthen it's position in the world. This book is an inspiration, not only for me, but for all people feeling passionate about Africa and the development of the youth and it delights me to support Olubanke and her work in every possible way.-Prof. Armoogum Parsuramen G.O.S.KFounder-President Global Rainbow Foundation Minister of Education Mauritius (1983-1995) Olubanke King-Akerele has produce a masterpiece work that is not only relevant for today's developmental challenges, but also very likely to stand the test of time. The strength of the work lies in the visionary apporach and superb analyses of the author, which is itself largely informed by her own personal and professional growth and experience both on the national stage, in Liberia and in the international arena, spanning more than three decades. Anyone truly interested in Africa's development more broadly, and in particular, how leadership could positively influence that development, must have a copy of this work, eloquently written by one of Africa's foremost scholar diplomats. -Lalla Aicha Ben-Barka, Assistant Director-General, Africa UNESCO, Paris. The "Growing" of Africa's Emergent Leadership, demonstrates a succinct style of impressive clarity, and focuses on the seriousness and legitimacy of Africa's next generation and the need for continuous cultivation of the continent's majority constituents. The organization of the book reflects Honourable King-Akerele's vast experience in youth development which inspired her writing. My unequivocal recommendation of the book rest in it's stimulating and exciting, yet challenging reality - a must read for youth of all ages and adults, especially governments and the private sector facing the challenge of youth development for eventual national leadership.Dr. Emmet Dennis, President of University of Liberia