THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
In a compelling inaugural lecture delivered on 5 February 2025 at the University of Lagos, Professor Adelaja Odutola Odukoya, a distinguished scholar in Comparative Political Economy, passionately advocated for the adoption of socialist Pan-Africanism as a transformative pathway for Africa’s resurgence and Nigeria’s development. His lecture, provocatively titled “Armageddon?”, delved into the paradox of Africa’s abundant resources juxtaposed with its persistent challenges, and he proposed a return to indigenous communal values as a solution.
Africa’s Paradox: Wealth Amidst Poverty
Odukoya began by highlighting Africa’s historical significance as the cradle of humanity and a bastion of ancient civilizations. He emphasized the continent’s vast human and natural resources, noting that, additionally, Africa possesses approximately 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land. Despite these advantages, Africa grapples with pervasive poverty, disease, malnutrition, illiteracy and underdevelopment. This stark contrast, he argued, stems from systemic issues rooted in governance and economic structures.
Nigeria’s Governance and Economic Crisis
Turning his focus to Nigeria, Professor Odukoya critiqued the nation’s ruling class for their opulent lifestyles and insatiable greed, which he contended come at the expense of the masses. He expressed deep concern over escalating insecurity, a burgeoning debt profile and the prioritization of debt servicing over essential public services. These challenges, he asserted, are manifestations of a political system driven by power and accumulation, rather than collective well-being.
The Call for Socialist Pan-Africanism
As a remedy, Odukoya championed socialist Pan-Africanism, advocating for leadership anchored in collective goals and social justice. He urged African nations to embrace socialism intertwined with Pan-African ideals, emphasizing that this approach empowers people to collectively develop and combat imperialistic forces responsible for exploitation and oppression. He stated, “Africa and Nigeria’s development must be anchored on socialist Pan-Africanism as an exemplification of the power of the people to collectively empower and develop themselves.”
Critique of Capitalism and Advocacy for Indigenous Values
Odukoya critiqued the capitalist system, asserting that it has not benefited the continent. He advocated for a return to Pan-African socialism, which he described as a form of socialism embedded in Pan-Africanism, capable of liberating Africa from the afflictions of decadent capitalism. He emphasized the need to draw on Africa’s pre-colonial communal values, which naturally align with socialist principles, to foster development and social cohesion. He also criticized the current educational curriculum for being heavily influenced by Western paradigms, which may not align with Africa’s unique cultural context.
“Africa can be great again”
Concluding his lecture, Professor Odukoya called for a collective effort to prevent Africa from descending into global irrelevance. He urged stakeholders to confront obstacles undermining development unapologetically and to be resolute in their pursuit of progress, expressing optimism that with the right approach, “Nigeria and Africa can be great again.”
Odukoya’s inaugural lecture serves as a clarion call for Africa to reclaim its destiny through leadership rooted in collective well-being, social justice and a return to indigenous communal values. His advocacy for socialist Pan-Africanism offers a framework for addressing the continent’s challenges and steering it towards a path of sustainable development and prosperity.
Kola Tella
