HOW LONG WILL AFRICA REMAIN AT THE LEVEL OF POTENTIALS? : UWAKWE ROLAND.

Africa is a continent of about 53 states, it is the second largest continent after Asia and it is largely the home of the black race.   By a way of historical development, Africa is

the cradle of human civilization and it is widely reported that life started in Africa; however the continent houses one of the poorest and, most undeveloped nations on earth, paradoxically, the continent is rich with natural resources. John Gunther remarked that: ‘Africa is not only vital for what it already has, but is incomparably the greatest potential source of wealth awaiting development in the world’

However since 1960 when most of the nations in Africa got their independence there has been little or no improvement in the standard of life of the citizens of the continent. Apart from South Africa, Egypt and some few other North African countries, there is no other state in Africa that has shown some seriousness towards nation building.

Nigeria prides itself as the giant of Africa but has shown a high sense of imbecility in solving her own domestic challenges, thus making true of the assertion that in “Biafra Africa died”. While other continents are busy developing their states and forming alliances; African leaders are busy begging and looking for ways to take away our commonwealth.

The best of Africans have left the continent for better life elsewhere and the people who remained are still looking and waiting for a better life at home.  Yet at every discussion we are reminded of the potentiality of the continent. One is tempted to ask the question: how long will Africa remain at the level of potentials? Or could it be true that the black man is incapable of living an organized life and building a state.

Seriously, I think that the major problem we face in Africa rests with our leadership. Politics is too serious a business to be left in the hands of politicians. The present crop of politicians may want to create violence in the system to scare the good ones, I think that this is a major weakness on their side; hence I believe good will eventually overcome evil. Let’s join hands to develop this land.