society
Reclaiming Africa’s Narrative: A Call to Unity, Self-determination and Renaissance
Reclaiming Africa’s Narrative: A Call to Unity, Self-determination and Renaissance
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In 1988, during the waning days of apartheid, South Africa’s then-president P.W. Botha allegedly made a declaration so abhorrent it still echoes in the ears of all who believe in justice and equality: “Black people cannot rule themselves because they don’t have the brain and mental capacity to govern a society.” This vile statement, whether apocryphal or not, encapsulates the supremacist ideology that underpinned centuries of colonial subjugation, racial discrimination and the systemic erosion of African dignity.
But time has proven Botha and all who think like him resoundingly wrong.
The Colonial Disruption of African Societies
Before European intervention, Africa was not a dark, directionless wilderness as imperialists often depicted. It was a continent bursting with vibrant civilizations, flourishing trade routes and governance systems grounded in consensus, justice and communal responsibility. From the intellectual legacy of Timbuktu in Mali, the economic might of the Benin and Oyo empires, to the political sophistication of the Ashanti and Zulu nations, Africa was anything but backward.
Colonialism was not a civilizing mission, it was a criminal enterprise. It dismantled well-structured societies, imposed arbitrary borders, stole natural resources and pitted ethnic groups against one another to divide and rule. The very chaos and underdevelopment often blamed on Africans today are direct consequences of this historical sabotage.
Yet, amid the ruins, Africa’s spirit was never broken.
African Leaders Advocating for Self-Reliance and Unity
Across the ages, a cadre of fearless African leaders emerged to confront neocolonialism and resurrect the dream of a self-determined continent. These were not mere politicians, they were revolutionaries, thinkers and builders.
Thomas Sankara, the martyred President of Burkina Faso, remains one of the most iconic voices against foreign domination. He warned, “He who feeds you, controls you.” Sankara rejected dependency on Western aid, choosing instead to launch agricultural reforms, nationalize land and promote local industries. His vision was clear: true liberation begins with economic independence.
He also exposed the deceptive nature of imperialism: “Imperialism often occurs in more subtle forms like a loan, food aid, blackmail.” His words ring truer today, as many African economies are buried under unsustainable debt and politically motivated aid packages.
Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s transformational leader, has demonstrated that African nations can rise from the ashes of genocide through homegrown solutions. He declared, “In Africa today, we recognize that trade and investment and not aid, are pillars of development.” Under Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has embraced technology, promoted gender equality and prioritized good governance, becoming a beacon of possibility on a continent that has suffered relentless mischaracterization.
Muammar Gaddafi, controversial but undeniably visionary, imagined a “United States of Africa.” He sought a single African currency, passport and military force—tools that could end external manipulation and promote Pan-African strength. Though his methods were divisive and his end tragic, Gaddafi’s dream for African unity remains relevant and necessary.
These leaders flawed yet courageous yet understood a fundamental truth: Africa’s future cannot be outsourced.
The Path Forward: Rewriting the African Script
To reclaim Africa’s narrative, Africans must take control of the pen. The stories we tell, the policies we adopt and the vision we cast must be authentically African and unapologetically bold.
1. Promote Pan-African Unity
The 55 nations of Africa must act as one. Whether confronting climate change, foreign exploitation or security threats, UNITY is our STRONGEST weapon. Regional integration through platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a step in the right direction, but integration must go beyond economics; it must be ideological, cultural and political. Africa must speak with one voice in the global arena.
2. Invest in Education and Innovation
An education system that glorifies colonial figures while ignoring Africa’s own thinkers is complicit in mental slavery. Curricula across Africa must teach our history of our heroes, our philosophers and our scientists. From Imhotep of Egypt to Cheikh Anta Diop of Senegal, Africa has produced intellectual giants. We must train a generation that is technologically competent, globally competitive and deeply rooted in its heritage.
3. Celebrate Cultural Heritage
Our languages, clothing, music and rituals are not primitive relics, they are treasures. The Yoruba, Swahili, Hausa, Zulu and many other languages must be preserved, promoted and passed on. Cultural pride is not merely symbolic. It is the foundation of psychological liberation. Africans must stop measuring progress by how closely they resemble the West.
4. Strengthen Governance and Institutions
Corruption, weak institutions and authoritarianism are cancers eating away at Africa’s future. But they are not intrinsic to African DNA, they are the legacy of extractive colonial structures. We must dismantle those legacies. Transparent elections, independent judiciaries, press freedom and civic engagement are not luxuries; they are necessities. Democracy must be African-owned and people-driven.
5. Reduce Dependency on External Aid
No nation becomes great by surviving on handouts. Aid often comes with strings attached, strings that entangle sovereignty. Africa must mobilize its resources from agriculture and minerals to youth and innovation and to build sustainable economies. Local production, regional value chains and intra-African trade are the way forward.
Reclaiming the Mind: The Final Frontier
Colonialism did not only conquer land, it colonized the mind. Until we unlearn inferiority and embrace the richness of our identity, progress will remain elusive. Frantz Fanon warned, “The colonized can see only one solution: to rise in arms and reclaim his humanity.” Today’s weapons, however, are not guns but ideas. Our battle is against ignorance, division and dependency.
The media must stop portraying Africa as a CONTINENT of DESPAIR. African writers, filmmakers, academics and entrepreneurs must tell their own stories. Platforms like Nollywood, Afrobeat, African Literature and tech startups are already rewriting perceptions, but more must be done.
Lastly: Inventing the Future
The lie that Africans cannot govern themselves has been shattered by history, resilience and the defiant march of time. The continent that gave birth to humanity is more than capable of shaping its own destiny.
As Thomas Sankara passionately declared, “We must dare to invent the future.” That future is one where Africans are united not just by geography but by purpose. A future where the youth are empowered, the elders respected, the culture celebrated and the leadership accountable.
Africa is not a victim, it is a victor in waiting. It needs no savior from the outside. The answer lies within: in its people, its traditions, its resources and its unyielding spirit.
The time to reclaim the narrative is now. The time to rise, to build…to lead is now!
society
Governor Dauda Lawal Hails Troops for Successful Fight against Banditry, Terrorism across Zamfara State
Governor Dauda Lawal Hails Troops for Successful Fight against Banditry, Terrorism across Zamfara State
Governor Dauda Lawal has commended the troops of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation Fansan Yamma for achieving significant operational successes against bandits in Zamfara State. The troops of the Joint Task Force launched an elaborate and coordinated onslaught in the early hours of Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Kaura Namoda and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of Zamfara State. Following the encounter, troops effectively neutralised three gang leaders and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, which included an AK-47 rifle, a machine gun, a locally fabricated handgun, seven rifle magazines and a total of 571 rounds of ammunition.
Governor Lawal described the renewed military offensive as timely, particularly due to the successful operation recorded on May 10, 2026, which disrupted a significant gathering of notorious terrorist leaders and neutralised several commanders. The troops acted on an intelligence report that confirmed that the terrorists had converged at a concealed location in Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area, with the intention to coordinate attacks and criminal activities targeting innocent communities in the state. The Air Component launched a precision airstrike on the identified terrorist hideout that successfully destroyed the structure, which served as the terrorists’ meeting point. The governor further reiterates Zamfara State Government’s commitment to ongoing support and logistics for the military and other security agencies operating in the state.
Old Students Association rejects alleged commercialisation of Unity School land
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has rejected the alleged commercialisation of any unity schools land under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) initiative.
The association made its displeasure known during their awareness walk to protest the concession of the 33 hectares of land belonging to Federal Government College (FGC) Kano yesterday in Lagos.
The members were carrying placards, some of which read “PPP: Save the Future”, “Protect Unity Schools”, “PPP must serve Education not land conversion” and “Schools are not for Real Estate”.
President-General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association USOSA Michael Magaji says Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) was designed to improve public institutions, and not strip them of assets or reduce their land.
Over 60 Unity schools members were drawn from across the nation for the awareness walk to protest against the alleged sale of the school lands.
The P-G said the association was advocating for a sustainable funding model that would preserve educational assets while improving infrastructure, manpower and learning conditions.
“Our coming together is to restore the lost glory of Unity Schools and strengthen Nigeria’s education system. Unity schools are nation-building institutions that have produced leaders across various sectors.
“Unity Schools were not just about education, they were about integration built not by spectators but by active citizens that believe in one nation.
“ The alumni support PPP but oppose the sale of educational assets. Unity never happens by chance but designed, nurtured and protected,’’ he added.
He added that the awareness walk brought about by the alumni across the nation was also to have a stronger network to revive the vision of the Unity Schools.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Lagos Chapter President, Federal Government College, Kano Old Students Association said that they are pushing back against the alleged commercialisation of Unity School lands.
Nwafor pointed out that the 33 hectares of land belonging to FGC Kano was concessioned without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
“We are saying there is a better option. Instead of selling our lands and assets, we would rather fund the schools ourselves.
“If the government says it does not have enough money to run the schools, the old students can provide support without taking one inch of the land,” he said.
According to him, the concession arrangement involving the school’s land will undermine the future of unity schools, which were established in the first place to promote national integration.
“These schools were established to unite Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that public educational assets are protected,” he added.
He called on the Federal Government to leverage alumni networks in addressing funding challenges confronting unity schools.
“We are in solution mode and impact mode and we believe alumni associations should be integrated into the process of repositioning these schools.
“We recently met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and discussions are ongoing toward finding mutually beneficial solutions,” he said.
Mr Alex Akindumila, President of FGC Idoani Alumni Association said the concession controversy was a national test of how public assets and educational institutions are being managed.
He said that they are concerned that reducing lands allocated to unity schools could limit future expansion, agricultural projects, sports facilities, technical workshops and staff accommodation.
“The lands allocated to unity schools were deliberate and visionary.“They were designed to ensure that the schools remain self-sustaining and adaptable to future needs.
According to him, when you shrink the land of a unity school, you do not just reduce space, but reduce possibility , reduce ability to run agricultural programs that can feed students and teach enterprise, even the space required for sports facilities that build discipline, health and national pride.
Also, Mrs Ifeoma Okeke, an alumna of FGC Nsukka, called for transparency, due process and stakeholder engagement in any PPP arrangement involving educational institutions.
She said PPP agreements should align with the public purpose of the schools and not diminish their long-term capacity.
“There must be transparency, competitiveness and proper stakeholder engagement in any concession process involving public educational assets,” she said.
society
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Southwest has strongly condemned the continued delay in the passage of the bill aimed at ending the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications in Nigeria. The association has described the delay as unjust, discriminatory, and harmful to the future of polytechnic education in the country.
The NAPS Southwest expressed deep frustration over what it called the unacceptable silence and inaction from the Nigerian Senate and Federal House of Representatives regarding the bill. The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders, a divide that has for years limited career progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates, particularly in the public sector.
This ongoing delay represents a significant policy gap that must be urgently addressed. The continued discrimination against HND holders contradicts the principles of equity, fairness, and meritocracy that should define Nigeria’s public service.
For years, polytechnic students and graduates have faced systemic discrimination in employment opportunities, career progression, and societal recognition an injustice that undermines the value of technical and vocational education in national development. The proposed bill represents a critical step toward equity, fairness, and the full recognition of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
We therefore call on the current administration and the National Assembly to prioritize the reintroduction and immediate passage of this critical legislation. Nigeria cannot afford to sideline a significant segment of its skilled workforce due to outdated and discriminatory policies.
It is therefore disheartening that the Nigeria Senate and House of Representatives has yet to act decisively on this matter of urgent national importance. The continued delay raises serious questions about the commitment of lawmakers to addressing the challenges faced by millions of Nigerian youths in the polytechnic system.
The NAPS southwest unequivocally calls on the Senate and House of Representatives to, without further delay, deliberate on and pass the bill to end the HND/B.Sc dichotomy. The future of countless students and graduates depends on this decisive action.
The continued delay in passing this bill is a direct attack on the dignity and future of millions of Nigerian students and graduates, the statement read. We cannot continue to tolerate a system that places artificial barriers on capable individuals simply because of the institution they attended.
Failure to meet this demand will leave NAPS Southwest with no choice but to mobilize Nigerian Polytechnic Students and Graduates across the country for peaceful but firm actions to press home our demands. We are prepared to take all legitimate steps necessary to ensure that justice is served.
NAPS Southwest has therefore issued a strong warning to the Senate and House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize and immediately pass the bill without further delay. The association made it clear that failure to act promptly would trigger nationwide protests and coordinated actions by Nigerian polytechnic students and graduates.
We urge all relevant stakeholders to initiate comprehensive reforms that will harmonize qualification frameworks, ensure equal opportunities for career advancement, and restore confidence in the civil service system.
NAPS Southwest remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of polytechnic students and graduates across Nigeria. We will continue to engage constructively with policymakers and mobilize support until justice is achieved.
Signed
Comr Ogunsola Adewale John
NAPS Southwest Coordinator
+234 704 720 2907
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