Africa's Toughest Challenge Is Bad Leadership – Ezekwesili

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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