By OYEWALE BUKUNMI JOHN
In the midst of banter at Kenneth Dike library’s chat room, I overheard a discussion questioning Nigeria’s inclusion in CNN’s climate predictions. Chuckling, I reflected on the misconceptions, forgetting that Nigeria, the ‘Giant of Africa,’ grapples with both abundance and misfortune under its flawed leadership.
This piece transcends generalizations, acknowledging the classification of African, Asian, Latin American, Caribbean, and select Oceania nations as developing. Nigeria, though labeled, embraces its role in a global context where emerging economies struggle against historical errors. As tomorrow’s leaders grapple with shadows, Africa’s identity as a developing continent stems from irredeemable past mistakes.
Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for Africa calls for unity without sacrificing sovereignty—forging political bonds centered on defense, foreign affairs, common citizenship, a shared currency, a military zone, and a central bank. This unity, he believes, can liberate the continent from its impoverished state.
While Africa boasts abundant natural resources, mismanagement has rendered it the world’s poorest continent. Before criticizing African leaders, we must scrutinize resource management and ponder whether we remain trapped in a neo-colonial stage. Are these gifts from God, or are we merely stung by the bees toiling day and night for honey, leaving us in the shadows of the ‘Heart of Darkness’? It’s time to transform these resources into a foundation for progress, breaking free from puppetry and rising to master our destiny.
