The one who frames the meaning and sets the vision, frames the mind.
The one who frames the mind, directs the thoughts.
The one who directs the thoughts, guides the actions.
And the one who guides the actions, determines the destiny.
For this reason, the first step for Africa’s long-term progress is to redefine everything for itself, and to set its own vision in a way that reflects its own indigenous nature and qualities. Then, through earnest efforts, build out these meanings into processes, policies, institutions, and initiatives…until they become the fabric of society. Only then will Africa be developing, because its societal progress and destiny would be guided by its own indigenous meaning and vision.
Many developmental initiatives today are well-meaning and appear to be bringing progress, but most are simply building out the concepts and ideas imposed on the people during colonialism. They do not encourage the “breaking through” of indigenous intuitions and capabilities, so these become the defining element of initiatives and upbuilding.
Take a simple example: Education. In Africa, have we asked the questions: what is our unique educational philosophy? What values are we trying to cultivate in our people? What type of identity should our education develop? What cultural knowledge should we document, transfer, and develop through our education institutions? And what methods can help us achieve this?
Instead of these questions, you have a plethora of education institutions throughout Africa today. But many were established during or after colonialism, and do not promote genuine indigenous development and progress. Consequently, they do not cultivate a sense of pride, genuine ethnic identity, and indigenous knowledge development. Instead, despite some benefits they give, they mold the mind to idealize foreign people, ideas, and countries. Are we then surprised when people who mature to adulthood in these institutions desire to go abroad? And others who stay in their countries subconsciously regard everything foreign as better.
Is this development or retrogression?
Outward progress should never occur at the expense of self-sufficiency and indigenous development, but should be a marked expression of it. The call for builders of the African future is to help the people bring their unique ethnic qualities and abilities to the fullest blossom in all forms of society. Everything that develops on African soil in the future should express the natural intuitions of the people, and should support the vision and meanings they establish for themselves.
For this reason, all efforts for African development must ensure the fundamental philosophy is African.
The call for pioneers of the new African upbuilding goes forth. May those who are motivated by the desire to truly help and serve the people hear the call and come together. So that, joining hands in humility and fixed determination, we will diligently work to empower and uplift the people. In that way, through a new meaning and vision, a new destiny will develop for the Africa.
~Dr. Ikenna Q. Ezealah
Nation Upbuilding 