We asked eight Africans for their views on the UK-sponsored Commission for Africa following the group's second meeting since it was launched.
Godwin Emejuobi:
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
"God is the help of Africa"
Kasozi Lubega:
Kampala, Uganda
"Gain power without conflict"
Ousman Njie:
Cairo, Egypt
"Reaffirming British interests"
Samantha Smit:
Lusaka, Zambia
"Teachers and textbooks"
|
 |
Iqbal Jhazbhay:
Pretoria, South Africa
"Development and stability"
Yared Mussie:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
"Uncompetitive in business"
Trevor Simumba:
Freetown, Sierra Leone
"We have to help ourselves first"
Amboka Wameyo:
Arusha, Tanzania
"Africa should be trusted"
|
Godwin Emejuobi
Africa is a blessed continent with wonderful divine and physical potentials however it is faced with numerous problems.
|
MEET THE PANEL
Name: Godwin Obinna Emejuobi
Age: 32
Lives: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Occupation: Administrator, Enymemus Nigeria Ltd.
Born: Imo State, Nigeria
Religion: Christian
Ethnic group: Igbo
In 10 words or less: Youth leader, Evangelist, hardworking and ambitious, loves singing and praying
|
I think Blair's Commission is a good start in the right direction and right timing.
However, this depends largely on Blair's true motives.
I would like to say that poverty has become a cancer difficult to eradicate in the African continent despite the abundant natural mineral resources.
Africa truly needs a stir in the right direction providing her with in-depth educational programs on how to overcome and cure this cancerous disease in her blood stream.
African's sensitive organs have been seriously infected by greed, corruption, selfishness, leadership lapses and wrong orientation, lack of checks and balances on government officials, fraudulent practices and above all, general decadence in the fear of God.
The African leaders need in-depth orientation on leadership.
They need to understand that good communication must exist between the leader and the followers.
Democracy is a government for the people and by the people.
|
African voices: See where our panel live
|
They are chosen by the people to serve the people and not to dictate to the people.
A good leader lives by example and is a role model.
A typical human being has the potential to be greedy and selfish; he is not prepared to give commitment and service for national interest but rather for his or herself.
Unlike what we see in the developed world, Africans should be encouraged and educated on the need for national drive and interest at all levels (individual, corporate, local and national).
I also understood that such was the case with the developed countries before they got to where they are today.
Another problem that is rearing its head is the issue of the recent downtrend of moral values and also decline in the fear of God.
Last week I read on BBC page about equal benefits for homosexuals in South Africa.
This is evil and abominable to the African man.
God is the help of Africa, and He alone can help Africa.
Africa's future is in the hands of Africans, and it is time that Africa rises with one voice and say yes to change.
My personal contribution has been in the area of youth mobilization and education. I meet with youths and engage them with the word of God as a tool to bring out their potentials.
Send us your comments on Godwin's views using the postform below.
Your comments:
Africa needs security. People who earn their keep through hard work, inheritance or even those who got wealthy through corruption must be made to feel that their wealth is safe at home in Africa. All foreign countries (and that includes Ghana as a foreign country if you live in Nigeria) must stop being a haven for banking or investing ill-gotten money that should go into development projects. A secure Africa will see many of her sons and daughters returning home from the lands that do not always welcome them, just because they are Africans. Give us security African leaders and we'll be back to re-build Africa!
Godfrey Ofem, Chicago, USA
Until African leaders stop living like the Kings of Old and come back down to earth, nothing will change. How come only those in elitist positions are the ones who are not poor like the common man?
Kevin, Canada
|
It gets in the way of the really important stuff - like food, shelter, education, love, happiness, development and art
|
I believe homosexuals were always there in Africa, or at least in my country. A very long time ago, it was never an issue. We accepted people as they were and moved on as long as no harm took place. Today, this homophobia is something we must put behind us. It gets in the way of the really important stuff - like food, shelter, education, love, happiness, development and art. Besides, how can we move together if we find reasons to persecute others?
Susan, Harare, Zimbabwe
I strongly support this view. Africa's problem is beyond human imagination and its solution can only be provided by God. Originally Cameroon like many other African countries was economically, politically and socially very successful. Then came a group of evils backed by Western nations in the name of a new deal regime headed by president Paul Biya. Since independence, all that has been happening in Africa is a complete mess beyond human imagination. Yet people are being forced to sing praises in favour of most African regimes. God save Africa.
Rexon, Cameroonian in UK/Sweden
One of the reasons why Africa will never move forward is because of the belief that homosexuality is evil. This divides Africans and keeps us in the quagmire of stagnation. Embrace all Africa's children of God so we can move Africa forward.
Kariuki Kariuki, Nairobi, Kenya
Disclaimer: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all e-mails will be published.
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Enlarge Image
Africa's future
