‘Dream’ is a natural phenomenon of the human species. This natural process which usually occurs when a person is at deep rest or sleep has a ‘dynamic’ way of relating with humans. Dreams could reveal to an individual a course of event in the future, bring a past memory to light, mystically warn of an impending danger, fills one’s subconscious world with imaginations, and sometimes, dreams could be a reflection of one’s hopes, aspirations or desires in life.
For the purpose of this piece, the last role played by this natural phenomenon will be the focal point; that is, a dream’s role as a reflection of human’s hopes and aspirations or desires in life. My African dream is about my hopes, aspirations and desires for the African continent.
Contemporary literary works have undeniably traced civilization to Africa. Egypt has historically and scientifically been confirmed to be the source of human civilization. Down the ages, the African continent lost its amiable glory to colonialism. Undoubtedly, today, the foundation which laid the glory of modern development in the Western hemisphere, was built by Africans and of course people of other races who labored tirelessly for centuries as slaves under servitude.
Ironically, even after centuries of post–slave trade or colonization, most African states are still under the influence of imperialism. Policy formulation and implementation of African nations are subject to national and international treaties and conventions. This is a major reason several nations in Africa today are either economically or politically challenged.
My African Dream examines my hopes, aspirations and desires for the continent under these three parameters: LEADERSHIP, HUMAN RIGHTS and VALUES.
LEADERSHIP– Poor leadership this has been identified by political commentators, the media, academics and individuals as the root cause of Africa’s present position in the global community. Take an analogy of Nigeria, the acclaimed giant of the continent, the sixth-oil producing nation in the world, and an active and leading member of OPEC. Today, an average Nigerian still ‘hunger for water while in the middle of the sea’. Needless to state that the proceeds accrued over the decades from oil have had little or no effect economically on the people.
Leadership in the political arena, especially, has been abused in Africa. An ex-president of an African nation was once quoted in the media as referring to politics as ‘a do or die affair’. That in itself is the driving force or mentality of politicians, especially in Africa. Public office has now become a platform for greedy individuals to enrich themselves to the detriment of the masses. Political office is exploited to abuse and intimidate others and as a lifetime career.
Eschewing the words of Martin Luther King (Jnr.)…
‘I Have a Dream’…………………..
I also have a dream……. ”that Africa will soon experience a revolution that will bring about leaders of national interest, integrity, patriotism, selfless service, amongst other virtues. I dream of an Africa that will produce notable leaders as exemplified by Barrack Obama (an offspring of Kenya), Nelson Mandela (S/Africa), and Obafemi Awolowo (Nigeria).
I dream of an Africa that will prove that blacks are no different to other races in terms of knowledge, potential, abilities, and expertise. I have a dream of African with leadership that is seen as ‘idea and philosophy’ globally, and who believe in service devoid of corruption and abuse of power. An Africa that will take the Comity of Nations by surprise, emerging strong in human and infrastructural developments. Leaders who believe that change is the only constant thing in life which must be wholly embraced. An Africa that will live up to the dreams of her founders.
I HAVE A DREAM……………………
HUMAN RIGHTS– Closely associated with leadership is Human Rights abuses in Africa. This comes in various forms; from sexual harassment and molestation, lack of regard to human life and human dignity. Mostly, during civil wars, as was the case in Darfur (Sudan), African women have been victims of sexual abuse in the hands of those meant to protect them. Similarly, those perpetrating the heinous crime of human trafficking have handed over young women to foreign ‘contactors’ to be sexually abused. Innocent and defenseless civilians have been repeatedly assaulted by law enforcement agents due to money not ‘exchanging hands’, or not showing ‘due regard’ to the agents of the government.
I have a dream…………. ”that Africa especially those vested with power and authority will see their privileged office not as a means to exploit and abuse their fellow, but as a means to serve their motherland and fellow Africans in the spirit of Love and Unity”. I HAVE A DREAM…………………………
VALUES– Most of Africa’s treasured values has been lost in recent times to western culture. Values are simply the embodiment of our principles, standards, mores, cultures and believes, entrenched in all spheres of our lives; from religion, education, family, politics and so forth. Values define an individual or group of people from another as much as color differentiates one race from another today. In Africa, for example, our values are expressed in the way and manner we dress, our multilingual languages and dialects, our diet, our cultures and traditions. However, as noted earlier, most of these are best known to be penned on paper about Africa but not expressed in their best to the world. Reasons for this are not far-fetched: African societies are becoming increasingly westernized. The media have also in recent times promoted more of foreign programs to the detriment of locally produced ones. Especially in this age where information is easily available and abundant, the youth population in African societies is increasingly spending time on websites that expose them to information that may not be helpful to them and actually may turn to be harmful.
I have a dream…………….” that African value system will be restored and upheld with pride by Africans home and abroad. That the values with which we are defined as people will refine us. That with our joint effort as Africans, we can take the continent to the point of global recognition
I HAVE A DREAM…………………………
a major problem with our socieity is accepting anything and everything from the west for the sake of trend and sophistication, negleting our own values. The consequences will be disastrous if not reversed
We will get there, brother solomon.
You remind me of Martin luther king, Kwame Nkrumah, and J. Nyere. There’s is hope for our continent. The western media can portray us as whatever they want, we will get there one day.
What a timely article. Look at what we’re seeing in Egypt. But brother, I’m encourage by your article. I also share your dream. That we will one day see an Africa that is respected at home and abroad. Thank you very much, Solomon.