society
Africa’s Endless Leadership Curse: Why West, Central and East Africa Remain Trapped in Under Development
Africa’s Endless Leadership Curse: Why West, Central and East Africa Remain Trapped in Under Development.
George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Decades of independence, trillions in natural wealth; yet Africa bleeds under recycled leaders, weak institutions and visionless governance.”
Introduction: The Paradox of Plenty.
More than six decades after independence, Africa remains a continent of contradictions; endowed with immense natural and human resources yet crippled by poverty, corruption and political inertia. From Nigeria’s REVOLVING-DOOR LEADERSHIP to Cameroon’s LONG-STANDING DICTATORSHIP under Paul Biya and Uganda’s near FOUR-DECADE RULE by Yoweri Museveni, Africa’s story reads like a broken record of promises betrayed. The tragedy is not that Africa lacks talent or resources. It is that it lacks visionary leadership and institutional accountability. As the late Chinua Achebe wrote in his classic The Trouble with Nigeria (1983), “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” That timeless diagnosis captures the state of most African nations today, a leadership vacuum sustained by GREED, TRIBALISM and a CULTURE of IMPUNITY.
The Mirage of Independence.
When NIGERIA GAINED INDEPENDENCE IN 1960, it was seen as the BEACON of BLACK HOPE and a nation destined to lead Africa into a new era of prosperity. Similarly, UGANDA and CAMEROON emerged from colonial rule with optimism and promise. Yet, independence merely replaced white rulers with black elites who preserved colonial structures of exploitation.
Since 1979, Nigeria has witnessed over a dozen leadership transitions (from Shehu Shagari to Muhammadu Buhari and now Bola Ahmed Tinubu) yet none have broken the chains of poverty, insecurity and infrastructural decay. Over 200 million Nigerians still share less than 5,000 megawatts of electricity, an amount that powers a single suburb in Johannesburg or London.
Cameroon’s story is even more tragic. Paul Biya, who became president in 1982, is now 92 years old and remains one of the world’s LONGEST-SERVING heads of state. He has ruled mostly from Switzerland, earning the nickname “the ABSENTEE PRESIDENT.” Meanwhile, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, who seized power in 1986, has altered the constitution twice to abolish term and age limits. Under his regime, dissent is criminalized, opposition silenced and political offices turned into hereditary possessions.
According to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranked 145th, Cameroon 154th, and Uganda 142nd out of 180 countries and there are proofs that corruption remains INSTITUTIONALIZED not INCIDENTAL.
LEADERSHIP without VISION: The Heart of the Problem.
Africa’s political elite mistake longevity for leadership and charisma for competence. In advanced democracies, continuity means institutional strength; in Africa, it means autocracy. Angela Merkel ruled Germany for sixteen years and left behind a legacy of stability, innovation and fiscal discipline. By contrast, Biya and Museveni’s combined 81 years in power have produced neither industrial transformation nor human capital development.
Professor P.L.O. Lumumba, a respected Kenyan scholar, once said, “Africa is a continent of rulers, not leaders; men who love power more than they love their people.” This statement reflects the psychological foundation of Africa’s crisis, leaders see power as PROPERTY not RESPONSIBILITY.
In Nigeria, leadership recycling has reached absurd proportions. The same politicians who failed in the 1980s still dominate public life today under new party labels. The result is a stagnant political system where innovation is suffocated and accountability absent.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, once observed, “You cannot continue doing the same thing and expect different results. Africa must reform its governance if it must progress.” Yet, the message falls on deaf ears.
The Economic Tragedy of Political Greed.
Africa’s natural wealth is staggering. The continent holds 60% of the world’s arable land, 30% of mineral reserves and 12% of global oil reserves. Nigeria alone has earned over $1 trillion in oil revenue since the 1970s. Yet, the World Bank’s 2024 data shows that over 90 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty. Uganda’s GDP per capita hovers around $1,100, while Cameroon’s remains below $1,600.
Why this paradox? African leaders have chosen CONSUMPTION over PRODUCTION and LUXURY over LEGACY. National budgets are bloated with political overheads while critical sectors like education, health and research receive crumbs. In Nigeria, lawmakers earn one of the world’s highest legislative salaries, with over ₦300 billion spent annually on the National Assembly, yet public schools and hospitals crumble.
In Uganda, billions are spent on presidential security and propaganda while citizens struggle with inflation and unemployment. In Cameroon, decades of centralized power have turned state institutions into extensions of the presidency. Economist Jeffrey Sachs put it bluntly: “Africa’s greatest tragedy is not poverty but the failure of leadership to convert resources into opportunities.”
The Colonial Hangover.
Beyond politics, Africa’s backwardness is rooted in psychological colonization. Many POST-INDEPENDENCE LEADERS INHERITED COLONIAL MENTALITIES; VALUING FOREIGN VALIDATION OVER DOMESTIC INNOVATION. The West and more recently, China, continue to exploit this dependency through AID TRAPS and DEBT DIPLOMACY.
In the Central African region, Chinese loans have financed infrastructure projects that often end in debt crises, while Western corporations plunder resources in exchange for political patronage. The African Union (AU), which should serve as a continental watchdog, has become a gentleman’s club for autocrats. It condemns coups but tolerates constitutional manipulations and rigged elections.
Professor Ali Mazrui once noted, “Africa is the only continent where political independence preceded economic independence.” This imbalance explains why Africa remains economically enslaved despite political sovereignty. Without economic liberation and institutional autonomy, political freedom is a mirage.
The Regional Breakdown: West, Central and East Africa’s Failures.
The uneven development across Africa reflects the different degrees of dysfunction in its regions.
West Africa: plagued by COUPS, TERRORISM and ECONOMIC INSTABILITY. From Mali to Niger and Burkina Faso, military takeovers reflect citizens’ frustration with civilian incompetence. Nigeria, despite being the regional giant, faces WIDESPREAD INSECURITY, INFLATION and GOVERNANCE COLLAPSE.
Central Africa: dominated by DYNASTIC RULERS like Biya (Cameroon), Nguesso (Congo) and Obiang (Equatorial Guinea). These regimes suppress dissent, rig elections and loot state coffers with impunity.
East Africa: projected as stable but largely AUTOCRATIC. Museveni’s Uganda and Kagame’s Rwanda showcase controlled democracies where opposition is tolerated only in theory.
According to the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance (2024), the West, Central and East African blocs score the lowest in rule of law, participation and accountability. Citizens’ rights are routinely violated and media freedom is heavily restricted.
The cost of this failure is staggering. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that Africa loses $88 billion annually to illicit financial flows, mostly driven by corruption and capital flight; money that could have built schools, hospitals, industries and done good for its nations.
The Second Liberation: A Call to Conscience.
Africa’s first liberation freed it from colonial rule. The second must free it from corrupt elites and intellectual laziness. Change will not come through foreign aid or borrowed policies but through citizens’ awakening and institutional reform.
The new generation must rise beyond ethnicity and partisan loyalties. Youth must understand that democracy is not about voting every four years but about holding power accountable every day. Civil societies, journalists and reform-minded leaders must form coalitions that challenge the old order.
As Nelson Mandela declared, “Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great; you can be that great generation.” That call is urgent now more than ever. Africa cannot continue to romanticize its potential while squandering its future.
Final Word: The Courage to Lead.
Africa’s tragedy is not a curse from the gods; but a self-inflicted wound. The continent’s leaders have consistently failed to build nations beyond their tribes and ambitions. Until leadership becomes a duty, not a privilege (until institutions become stronger than individuals) Africa will remain a giant crawling on its knees.
History has shown that no nation develops by accident. LEADERSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY and VISION are the engines of progress. From Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew to South Korea under Park Chung-hee, nations have transformed through discipline and purpose. Africa must learn this lesson or remain a byword for failure.
As George Omagbemi Sylvester concludes,
“Africa is not cursed; it is simply cursed by those who rule it. Until the throne becomes a place of service and not self-worship, our liberation remains incomplete.”
society
UNIPGC AFRICA Seals Strategic Partnership with Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation for Capacity Building Initiatives Spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Kenya
*UNIPGC AFRICA Seals Strategic Partnership with Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation for Capacity Building Initiatives Spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Kenya
In a significant step toward strengthening sustainable development and leadership capacity across Africa, *UNIPGC AFRICA* has officially sealed a strategic partnership with *Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation (GVEF)* to implement impactful capacity-building projects. The initiative is spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Republic of Kenya.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a *Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)* by key representatives of both organizations. Signatories to the agreement include *H.E. Amb. Jonathan Ojadah*, Global President of the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC); *Amb. Jase Carlos Sousa,* Member of the UNIPGC Supreme Council; and *H.E. Maj. (Rtd.) Dr. Dhadho Godhana*, Executive Governor of Tana River County.
The MoU establishes a robust framework of cooperation between *UNIPGC* and *GVEF* reflecting a shared vision and strong alignment of values in promoting sustainable development, peace, and inclusive governance across Africa.
Under the agreement, both organizations will collaborate on a wide range of development initiatives, including the promotion of *democracy and good governance*, *climate change education and environmental sustainability*, *health promotion through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Youth capacity building through Robust Film Production Ecosystem, sports development and gender equality and empowerment of marginalized communities*.
The partnership will also actively support and advance the *United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)*.
As part of the collaboration, UNIPGC and GVEF have committed to establishing effective channels for joint action through the design and implementation of programs and projects that address shared development priorities. These initiatives will focus on strengthening leadership capacity, promoting inclusive participation in governance, and enhancing community-based development efforts.
Furthermore, the partnership will encourage mutual institutional support, enabling both organizations to provide *technical expertise, strategic guidance, and moral support* toward the successful implementation of their initiatives.
This landmark collaboration marks a major milestone in advancing cross-sector partnerships aimed at fostering *sustainable development, social inclusion, and transformational leadership across Africa*, while reinforcing the collective commitment of both organizations to achieving the *United Nations Sustainable Development Goals*
Ajadi, Sheikh Sannu Sheu Charge Politicians on Good Governance
The Oyo State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has emphasised the need for politicians to embrace good governance and people-oriented leadership as a fundamental principle of politics in Nigeria.
Ajadi made this call on Friday, shortly after the 4th Annual Ramadan Lecture, organised under his Omituntun 3.0 platform at the BCOS Garden, Bashorun, Ibadan, where he spoke with journalists on the significance of the lecture, themed “Oselurere” (Good Governance).
The well-attended event featured a lecture by a renowned Islamic scholar, Fadheelatus-Sheikh Al-Mufasir Usman Sannu Sheu, the Chief Tafseer of Ilorin Emirate, Al-Adaby, who spoke extensively on the Islamic and socio-political perspectives of good governance, stressing that leadership must be anchored on justice, accountability, and service to humanity.
Speaking after the event, Ajadi explained that the choice of Oselurere as the theme for this year’s lecture was deliberate, noting that it was necessary to educate both current and aspiring politicians on the true essence of politics as service to the people.
According to him, the practice of good politics must be properly understood from both religious and socio-political viewpoints so that the coming generation of leaders can develop the right character for public service.
He said: “Oselurere, which means good governance, was carefully chosen as the topic so we can hear from our guest lecturer about the rewards of practising good politics and also understand what good politics is all about.”
He added that the lecture was also intended to correct the mindset of politicians who seek public office without clear plans to improve the lives of the people.
“The topic is also chosen so that politicians will learn that they should not just assume office without having good things in mind to offer the masses and our nation. That is why we invited our Islamic and renowned scholar, Sannu Sheu, to treat this important subject,” he said.
Reflecting on the history of the annual lecture, Ajadi disclosed that the first three editions were held in Ogun State, where the focus was on humanitarian services and feeding programmes during Ramadan as a way of demonstrating compassion and service to humanity.
The first to third Ramadan lectures hosted by me were held in Ogun State for Muslims and people of other faiths to witness how good it is to feed people and render humanitarian services. The month of Ramadan is one of the best periods to demonstrate these virtues, and that is why I have come to my father’s state of origin, Oyo State, to continue the humanitarian services,” he said.
He further called on Nigerians to use the Ramadan and Lenten periods as opportunities for spiritual rebirth, unity, and prayers for the nation.
“Let us use this period of Ramadan and Lent to learn how to live together in peace, remain united, and be prayerful for our country,” Ajadi advised.
The PDP gubernatorial aspirant also expressed optimism about the electoral fortunes of his party in future elections, saying he believes the PDP will record victories at different levels.
“By the grace of God, our great party will be on the ballot and there will be total victory in the various political offices our candidates will contest for,” he added.
In his lecture, Sheikh Sannu Sheu emphasised that good governance is not only a political obligation but also a moral and religious responsibility. He said Islam places a high premium on leaders who are just, trustworthy, and committed to the welfare of their followers.
The cleric explained that the concept of Oselurere goes beyond political promises, stressing that it includes fairness, transparency, accountability, and prioritising the needs of the weak and vulnerable in society.
He urged leaders at all levels to see their positions as a trust (Amanah) from God and the people, warning that they would be held accountable for how they exercise authority.
The scholar also encouraged citizens to support leaders with prayers and constructive engagement while also holding them accountable through lawful means.
The event attracted Islamic clerics, political stakeholders, community leaders, party members, and residents of Ibadan and its environs. It also featured Qur’anic recitations, special prayers for Oyo State and Nigeria, as well as spiritual musical performances by notable Islamic artistes.
Some of the political stalwarts who graced the occasion included the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele; the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun; and Chief Babatunde Tijani, popularly known as “Double T,” a prominent political figure and Olori-Ebi of the Omituntun Dynasty, among other political leaders.
Observers noted that the annual Ramadan Lecture has continued to grow in prominence, serving as a platform for discussing the intersection between faith, governance, and societal development while also promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different religious and political backgrounds.
society
Nigeria on the Edge: Rising Violence, Economic Hardship and Weak Institutions Fuel Fears of State Failure
Nigeria on the Edge: Rising Violence, Economic Hardship and Weak Institutions Fuel Fears of State Failure
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“A leading political scientist raises alarm over rising insecurity, weakening institutions, and economic policies that are deepening hardship for millions of Nigerians.”
Nigeria is facing a growing national crisis as insecurity spreads, democratic institutions weaken, and economic policies continue to deepen hardship for millions of citizens. The country is increasingly confronted with a dangerous convergence of political repression, worsening insecurity, and economic instability that many analysts warn could push the state toward systemic failure if urgent corrective actions are not taken.
Across the country, violence is spreading while government institutions that should safeguard democracy appear to be struggling to maintain credibility and independence. At the same time, economic reforms intended to stabilize the nation’s finances have imposed significant burdens on ordinary Nigerians already grappling with rising living costs.
Nigeria is currently confronting simultaneous challenges on several fronts. Insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues threatening national stability.
The insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has persisted for more than a decade. Since the insurgency began in 2009, the conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced over two million civilians in northeastern Nigeria.
Recent reports indicate that attacks on military formations have intensified, particularly around Maiduguri. Militants have continued to target security forces and civilian populations, raising fears that insurgent groups are attempting to strengthen their control in parts of the northeast.
Meanwhile, banditry and organized criminal networks have expanded across Nigeria’s northwest and north-central regions. Armed groups operate across territories stretching from Sokoto and Zamfara toward Niger and Kwara states, carrying out kidnappings, attacks on rural communities, and large-scale destruction of property.
States such as Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, Benue, and Plateau continue to experience recurring violence, with communities frequently caught between insurgents, bandits, and overstretched security forces.
Beyond the security crisis, concerns are also mounting over the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The judiciary, once widely regarded as a critical pillar of the country’s democracy, is increasingly perceived by critics as being vulnerable to political influence. Questions about judicial independence have intensified as legal decisions in politically sensitive cases continue to spark controversy.
Similarly, the role of the police has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that law enforcement agencies often focus heavily on protecting political elites and high-profile individuals while many communities remain exposed to crime and insecurity.
Such developments have fueled public debate about the strength of Nigeria’s institutional framework and its ability to uphold justice, accountability, and democratic governance.
At the same time, Nigeria’s economic situation continues to generate widespread public concern.
Economic reforms implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the national currency in 2023, were designed to stabilize public finances and attract investment. However, these policies have also contributed to a sharp rise in living costs.
Inflation, currency volatility, and increasing energy prices have significantly reduced the purchasing power of many Nigerian households. Electricity tariffs and various taxes have increased, placing additional pressure on citizens whose incomes have not kept pace with rising expenses.
While international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund have praised Nigeria’s macroeconomic reforms, many Nigerians argue that the benefits of these policies have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
The agricultural sector provides a clear example of the difficulties currently facing the economy.
Nigeria spent roughly ₦51 billion on rice imports in 2024, signaling a reversal of earlier efforts aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in rice production. Rising production costs, expensive energy, and limited access to affordable financing have forced many farmers to abandon rice cultivation.
Farmers in major agricultural states such as Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa are reportedly exiting rice production due to mounting losses. At the same time, local rice mills that once flourished are struggling to compete with cheaper imported rice.
Industry leaders have warned that Nigeria’s rice value chain could face serious collapse if current conditions persist. Many mills are now operating far below capacity, with high fuel costs and interest rates making it difficult to sustain operations.
Political tensions are also beginning to rise as the country gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.
Observers warn that the normalization of political intimidation or violence could weaken democratic competition. History shows that democracies rarely collapse suddenly; instead, they erode gradually as intimidation, coercion, and reprisals become more common in political life.
If such trends continue, elections may still take place formally while the deeper democratic meaning of political participation becomes diminished.
Nigeria now faces what many observers describe as a defining moment in its modern history. The combination of insecurity, economic hardship, and institutional fragility presents serious challenges that require decisive leadership and comprehensive policy responses.
Strengthening democratic institutions, improving security coordination, and implementing economic policies that genuinely improve citizens’ living conditions will be essential to stabilizing the country.
Without meaningful reforms and renewed commitment to accountable governance, Nigeria risks drifting closer to a scenario that many citizens fear—a nation struggling to protect its people, sustain its economy, and preserve the democratic ideals upon which its republic was built.
-
society6 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news3 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society6 months ago“You Are Never Without Help” – Pastor Gebhardt Berndt Inspires Hope Through Empower Church (Video)
-
Business7 months agoGTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion