The MARLBORO Syndrom – Many African Rulers Like Boasting Of Ruining Others.
The contribution of the diaspora to the growth of any nation, or indeed continent can not be over emphasized. Taking a cue from the Holy Bible, it is recorded that from Abraham to Isaac, Jacob David, Paul and even the Lord Jesus were all diasporans. In fact it is assumed that the word diaspora has a Jewish origin. It is the contribution of these fathers of yore and those of the present day Islaelies that have build the powerful nation Israel that now has greatly contributed in no small measure to the growth of the contemporary world science and has resisted all the mighty and massive countries sorrounding her, and has to some extent brought these nations to their knees.
Africa is a continent of immense riches. Indeed, it is the richest continent in the world, not only because of its vast mineral resources but also because of its greatest asset, its people. It is the second largest continent by landmass, after Asia, covering more than 30 million square kilometres. It is also the second most populous continent, with over 1.5 billion people. Significantly, more than one billion of these are young people in their productive years, making Africa home to the largest youthful workforce in the world. A reasonable number of these young ones and their parents live outside the shores of Africa. Some in America, others in Europe or Asia. It is on record that the monies that these diasporans send back to Africa run in billions of dollars.
However, the investment of these otside ones in the motherland was never duly utilized by the home front leaders of thought. The sad truth is that when the above demographic advantage plus the massive repaitration of funds from abroad is combined with nearly one billion hectares of arable land, about 60% of which remains uncultivated, it becomes clear that Africa possesses everything required not only to feed itself but also to become the food capital of the world.
Regrettably, despite this enormous potential, Africa remains home to the largest concentration of the world’s poorest people. Of the approximately 800 million people living in extreme poverty globally, nearly 60% are in Africa. That is about 480 million people, with Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo among the countries most affected. In other words, nearly one in every three Africans lives in extreme poverty. Likewise, in multidimensional poverty, Africa continues to bear the greatest burden.
Referring to Nigeria, an American president once said that Never in the hsitory of man has a peolpe so endowed with human and natural resources been so overtaken by just a few. He continued that for every five scientists in the Cylicon Valley, that one is a Nigerian. But, Alas, he lamented, they aint going home no more. When asked by interviewers which country he would love to come from, if he was not an American. Unabashedly, he announced, Nigeria.
The FIFA world cup that was just concluded in North America, Nigeria had 16 players playing for other nations. Unfortunately, the same Nigeria did not even qualify for that tournament.
The question, therefore, is simple. With all these advantages, why has Africa not been able to lift its people out of poverty?
It means there is a missing link. That missing link is Competent Leadership with Capacity, Compassion, Character, and Commitment to good governance.
What Africa needs is leadership that will rise to the challenge and drive the continent in the right direction. This means competent leadership with character, capacity, compassion and commitment to begin turning the continent around. When we get leadership right, everything else begins to change. We start realising our true potential.
So, what is the role of the Diaspora African in this journey?
They have an enormous role to play.
Because these are ones who live in societies where institutions largely work, where democracy is strengthened by accountability and where systems function more effectively, they have both opportunity and responsibility to help build Africa. It is time to become stronger advocates for good governance. Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter. They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong in our continent. Stand firm for what you is right. Speak truth to the leaders who visit your areas of sojourn or second nationality. Let them know where they are getting it wrong.
Contribution of the African diaspora extends far beyond advocacy. History teaches us that many of the world’s great economic transformations were driven, in part, by their diaspora communities.
Japan offers one example. Following the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the country embraced modernisation and benefited immensely from Japanese scholars, professionals and citizens who studied and worked abroad, especially in Germany, before returning home to drive the technological transformation for which Japan is admired today.
China presents another remarkable example. It was under Deng Xiaoping’s reforms, beginning in 1978, that China embraced education, innovation and global engagement. These reforms created opportunities for the Chinese diaspora to contribute significantly to the country’s extraordinary economic transformation. In 1980, China had more people living in poverty than Africa. Today, China has reduced extreme poverty dramatically, while Africa continues to struggle with the challenge.
China has less than 10% of the figure living in extreme poverty in Africa.
India also demonstrates what is possible. Its diaspora physicians and medical professionals played a significant role in developing a healthcare system that has made India one of the world’s leading destinations for medical tourism. Africa has countless brilliant doctors and healthcare professionals across the diaspora who possess the knowledge and experience to help achieve similar progress. What remains essential is the creation of an enabling environment that will attract them home.
To that end, I called on Diaspora Africans to remain actively engaged in shaping the democratic future of our continent. Their voices matter in advancing free, fair and credible elections across Africa. Elections conducted with integrity are the foundation of legitimate governance. They create the pathway to competent leadership capable of delivering the policies, institutions and opportunities our people deserve.
When we create the enabling environment necessary for sustainable development, we start unlocking Africa’s potential.
Let us therefore work together, those at home and those abroad, to build a continent defined not by its challenges, but by its achievements, its unity, peace and its shared prosperity.
A NEW Nigeria is POssible. Indeed a new Africa is possible.
