I am Black
Africa is my continent
West Africa is my region
Nigeria is my country
Delta State is my state
Ughelli South is my local government area
Ewu-Otor is my village
I am proud of my Black Heritage
But, am I happy with the way things are in Africa and in Nigeria? No I am not- Our economy is dwindling, insecurity everywhere, poverty and rising unemployment, socio-economic infrastructures are failing, few systems are working efficiently, while other systems keep collapsing.
Do I think all hope is lost for Africa? I do not.
Do I see escape from the continent as the only way forward? I do not
Do I think Nigeria has a future together? Yes, I do
Can we achieve the Africa and Nigeria of our dream? Yes we can
Can we work to make Nigeria a giant again? Yes we can
Will it be a easy task? No it won’t
Is it something we should do? Yes, it is something that we can and MUST do.
Not only for us, but also for our generation yet unborn
As we mark the anniversary of Africa Day, a date dedicated to remember the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (O.A.U), all hands must be on deck to create the Africa we, and the early agitators, dreamed about- The Africa with lands flowing with milk and honey; flowing with opportunities and highly sought after models of leadership.
There was once a time when the strength of the Nigerian economy was such that our exchange rate was almost at par with the US Dollar; when Nigeria was highly respected and regarded as the giant of Africa; when people from various parts of the Africa saw Nigeria as the go-to-destination for economic and financial security.
The question then is: At what point did we miss it?
Nigeria has all the human and natural resources needed to be a great nation but we all must play our part in creating the Nigeria of our dream. We need to wake up and change this negative narrative. The problem of Africa and Nigeria is not just a government problem. We have leadership problems as much as followership challenges. Corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. There is an absence of trust in Nigeria and low level of communication between the government and the people.We must hold ourselves accountable.
Every citizen should note that it takes all hands to mold and set the blocks for the dream country we want. We must look inward and realize that leadership and followership must play their part in building back better.
The anniversary of Africa Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our shortcoming as a nation and also to shape and reshape new realities. We can be the generation that move our nation forward. As we rebuild in this post-COVID era, we must work together to create the Africa that our generation can be proud of, a nation where peace, justice, fairness, and equity exist.
The labour of our heroes past should not be in vain.
Happy Africa Day
One Love to Africans worldwide.
Let us build back forward and better
Written by
Stephanie. E. Effevottu
stephanieeffevottu@gmail.com