Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a
former Minister of Education, delivered a powerful message during the 2023
School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) graduation ceremony in Abuja
last Saturday. Her address focused on the critical role that poor leadership
plays in hindering Africa's economic development and the urgent need for a
profound transformation in the continent's political landscape.
Dr. Ezekwesili emphasized the
imperative of reshaping African politics through the collective efforts of
visionary leaders from governments, the private sector, and civil society. She
stressed the determination required to embark on this transformative journey.
Drawing from concrete data, Dr.
Ezekwesili underscored that Africa's current state of affairs poses a significant
obstacle to sustainable development. She pointed out that a commitment to
democracy, when examined historically, reveals a correlation between democratic
governance and prosperity. According to her, democracy not only guarantees
political freedom but also establishes the rule of law as the bedrock of
economic liberty.
Economic freedom, Dr.
Ezekwesili explained, fosters an environment conducive to the flourishing of
innovative ideas, creativity, and, consequently, rapid problem-solving.
Competitiveness and productivity, two vital economic facets, are, she argued,
intricately linked to empirical data.
Despite this compelling
evidence, Dr. Ezekwesili cautioned against complacency. She urged citizens not
to passively hope for a sudden transformation among those who have perpetuated
poor governance as a political culture. Waiting for such a transformative
"Damascus experience" akin to Apostle Paul's conversion, she noted,
would be an exercise in futility.
In addition to Dr. Ezekwesili's
address, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi also took the stage to highlight
Africa's predominant issue—leadership. Mwangi attributed the continent's
underdevelopment to an excessive focus on religion, which, he argued, must be
redirected towards more pressing matters.
Mwangi emphasized the critical
importance of younger generations assuming leadership roles, condemning the
older generation as neocolonial instruments allowing Africa's wealth to be
hoarded in advanced nations.
He noted the disproportionate
allocation of resources, highlighting that grandiose churches, not schools or
homes, were the prominent architectural landmarks along his route from Abuja
Airport. This, he argued, is emblematic of Africa's skewed priorities.
Mwangi called for a departure
from the Western ideals that have become deeply entrenched, advocating for a
shift towards a more communal, equitable, and self-reliant African society. He
urged young people to prioritize politics over prayers, asserting that making
politics a way of life is the key to addressing issues such as unemployment,
insecurity, and inadequate healthcare. He emphasized that the biggest mistake
young Africans have made is servility to the older generation, in stark
contrast to the forebearers who fought for independence without collaborating
with colonizers.
In unison, Dr. Ezekwesili and
Mwangi emphasized the pressing need for a political revolution in Africa, one
that will pave the way for sustainable development across the continent.
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