“Why did Africa let Europe cart away millions
of African souls from the continent to the four corners of the wind? How could
Europe lord it over a continent ten times its size? Why does needy Africa
continue to let its wealth meet the needs of those outside its borders and then
follow behind with hands outstretched for a loan of the very wealth it let go?
How did we arrive at this, that the best leader is the one that knows how to
beg for a share of what he has already given away at the price of a broken
tool? Where is the future of Africa? ...Ngugi Wa Thiong’o
Cowardice or Folly?
From
time immemorial, the world had always existed within the shadow of the apparent
dominance of prevailing world power, which has changed from nation to nation
and from time to time, and though the world may have evolved into a diplomatic
mirage, clamour for world control still persists, but cleverly, in well
obscured and subtle ways.
A few
centuries ago, Africa was discovered by the Europeans and savagely targeted for
both the immense mineral reserves and also the raw and untapped human resources
for selfish reasons in the most inhuman way possible.
The
wealth of Africa was carted away in massive volumes; Africans were slaughtered,
and worse, reduced to the lowest ebb of existence, slaves.
History
tells us that some Africans fought gallantly and became martyrs in death, some
fearfully fell in line, and even some betrayed the code of the dark skinned
race and became corrupt, but we do not know who we truly are until we are faced
with real life situations.
In the
wake of modern civilization, slavery was abolished on paper, to the superficial
detriment of slave-run dynasties, with their inward rebellion unearthing their
hate, bourne of ignorance.
Even in
all of this, Africans, been created by God Which has thrust upon their heart
true love indeed, chose to unreservedly and unconditionally forgive, for he who
forgives is mature and shall find peace of mind. But for how long shall you forgive
one who constantly rubs dung in your face?
“No other Continent has endured such an
unspeakably bizarre combination of foreign thievery and foreign goodwill
”…Barbara Kingsolver
A Cultural Stereotype!
Africa
might not be as advanced as most continents or nations as the case may be, but
that does not mean that they are inferior. Africa still best qualifies as your
preferred ‘go to’ place to observe peace and serenity of the mind, body and
soul, why? Because she is still virtually a virgin and untapped.
The
humans there still have heart and compassion. They are still in touch with the
goodwill of their fathers. You don’t have to refer to their gardens and
vegetation as organic because you know for sure that the fruits and vegetables
are fresh. When you marry a woman there, you get a total package of culture,
courage, respect and raw power of original women from birth, unlike the rest of
the world that has forcefully evolved into an age we don’t recognize, an age
tainted with incorrigible corruption.
Have
you seen the ‘Black Panther’ movie? It shattered box office records, and is
still trending because of the genuineness and colour of the true African
culture, tradition and unique lifestyle.
Although,
the African culture upholds respect for the elders for age naturally comes with
wisdom due to countless experiences and life lessons, but as the new generation
unfolds with new knowledge and boundless imagination which has helped change
the world to technological advancement that has solved real life problems,
perhaps age is not the only significance.
Senior
citizens of Africa need to realize that the youths don’t disrespect them, and
neither are they saying that the time of our elders is up, but rather, the
older generation should show maturity by encouraging the youths to lead themselves,
else there will be no legacy to leave behind.
“The worst thing that colonialism did was to
cloud our view of our past ”…Barack Obama
Corruption!
Take a
minute to ponder on this: Does Africa have a history? Your assertion is as good
as mine, definitely affirmative, but why have we a vague knowledge of it? Well,
like the saying goes ‘History belongs to the victors’ and there you have it.
Corruption
was brought into Africa, and then used to divide her into parts and made to
compete against one another, driving her offspring farther apart from
themselves, limiting her growth.
Corruption
should be treated like a headache. Headache doesn’t just exist on its own for
no reason, you simply need to find the root cause, and treat it accordingly and
transparently, and naturally it will go, not stupidly fighting it directly,
otherwise it then becomes folly or deception, but to what end?
“Nature gives to every time and season some
beauties of its own: and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave,
it is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we can scarcely mark
their progress ”…Charles Dickens
Leadership
This is
the tricky part. African leaders are self-proclaiming to be great leaders, but
they fail to realize that no matter how good a leader you are, if you don’t
have a succession plan, you still have failed. Having an anointed successor
doesn’t mean you have succeeded; the person must be a qualified leader, for
real.
Look at
Nigeria for instance, a country that has been constantly criticized for lacking
basic infrastructure such as power, healthcare, schools and good roads despite
massive deposits of mineral resources and huge foreign reserves. Rather,
politicians consume about 25% of the national budget.
The
leaders have not done well to become good models to motivate the youths as they
live luxurious lifestyles with looted funds instead of creating institutions
and platforms to encourage growth and development. Well, like they say, you
cannot give what you don’t have.
What is
currently trending in Nigerian social media is the statement of the Nigerian
President in London where he spoke about how Nigerian youths want
infrastructure without exclusively meriting it. Perhaps he was taken out of
context, but regardless, this may not be a good time to make such a sensitive
issue at a time that the political terrain is delicate as he seeks re-election.
God
bless Nigeria, Africa, and the world!
Thank
you, and be awesome because you
truly are.
Akin
Abimbola.
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Sources: Brainy Quote, Google, Good reads, Wikipedia, You tube
This article is an original piece, which was
reasonably researched, contains considerable opinion and is composed in a
unique style of the author.
The names in actual stories are not real and
the stories in this write-up are fictional. Consequently, people’s names
appearing are purely co-incidental, except for quotes and news that are
typically referenced.
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