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Searching for a new generation of pan Africanists

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Dr. Effiong Udo (left) and the Director of Communications, Mr Etim Etim during the briefing

By ETIM ETIM

Africa is always in perpetual struggle for survival.

It is the world’s second largest and second-most populous continent after Asia, but its past and future always seem to be in constant collision.

In the past, our forebears confronted slavery, enslavement and colonialization, and this gave birth to pan Africanism.

Now, the continent is at the crossroads of historical occurrences.

The clash of civilizations between Islamic fundamentalists and the West; the fight for geopolitical dominance between China and the US; the breakout of war in Europe for the first time since the end of the Second World War and the growing wealth gap between the global north and global south are some of the forces that African leaders have to deal with to chart the continent’s socioeconomic direction in the coming decades.

Africa is also facing what appears to be another round of colonialism characterized by massive exploitation of its natural resources by agents of foreign countries notably, China and Russia.

Illegal mining of natural resources in many African countries, including Nigeria, DRC, Niger Republic, Chad and many others are the major causes of insecurity, violence and poverty.

A new wave of migrant from the continent pours into Europe and America every day.

Without a doubt, our continent remains the most exploited continent in the world.

In the welter of all these, the continent suffers from incompetent, corrupt and weak leadership.

Worried by the fate of their continent, a group of African academics, professionals and civic society activists have come together in search of a new generation of pan Africanists who will save their continent from collapse.

Although Pan Africanism was born in the struggles of African people against enslavement and colonization, and this struggle goes back to the rebellions on the slave ships and plantations across the West, the new generation of pan Africanists are fighting at intellectual level, trying to decolonize the minds of Africans.

They have established an organization known as The Pan African Dialogue Institute (TPADI).

It was conceived in 2016 by a couple of African academics and professionals led by Nigeria’s Dr. Effiong Udo of the University of Uyo and Prof. Mutombo Nkulu-N’Sengha, a US citizen originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

TPADI is headquartered in the University of Uyo. Dr. Udo has unfathomable passion for pan Africanism.

I caught up with him in his office at the University of Uyo last week as he was preparing for hosting an international conference on Dialogue and Pan Africanism.

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TPADI, he says, is a network of academics, professionals, civil society and grassroot leaders in different fields of life, within Africa and the diaspora, who are motivated by the best principles of Pan Africanism to serve the continent and its people worldwide.

It is a civil society think tank for the study, practice and propagation of Pan-Africanism.

Its programs and activities revolve around three thematic areas: education, policy and projects. On education, the institute hopes to create programs to educate ourselves, all Africans and other interested persons in Pan-Africanism.

It offers certificate, executive and postgraduate programs in Pan-Africanism and create public awareness through seminars, workshops, webinars and convoke cultural events and academic conferences on dialogue and Pan-Africanism.

On policy, it engages in local, continental, and global policy analysis, formulation and advocacy, within the threshold of Pan-Africanism. The aim is to inform and advise stakeholders and decision-makers on resolving African problems with African solutions.

On projects, TPADI conducts needs assessment to identify, design and implement projects to build and advance the living conditions of African communities and empower our peoples. ‘’Our educational, policy and project engagements intersect under social, economic, political, religious and cultural issues, as well as scientific, environmental, educational, legal, gender and business domains’’, he said, gesticulating frantically. ‘’This is why we have 10 dialogue commissions who regularly engage with these issues. So far, we have members from 22 African countries. Some of them are based in the Americas, Europe and United Kingdom’’. Dr. Udo said he was inspired into Pan-Africanism when he attended a program at the University of California in 2016 and had to team up with many Africans in diaspora on a research program. ‘’The experience opened my eyes to what is wrong with Africa and the fact that it is only Africans that can create African solutions to our problems’’, he told me.

Pan Africanism emerged as a response to the long history of the indignities of colonization, enslavement, and systemic oppression and exploitation faced by African people across the globe.

The African Union defines Pan-Africanism as: “… an ideology and movement that encourages the solidarity of Africans worldwide.

It is based on the belief that unity is vital to economic, social and political progress and aims to ‘unify and uplift’ people of African descent. The ideology asserts that the fates of all African peoples and countries are intertwined.

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At its core, Pan-Africanism is “a belief that African peoples both on the continent and in the diaspora, share not merely a common history, but a common destiny.” From the early days of Pan Africanism till today, the advocacy for the unity, solidarity, and empowerment of people of African descent worldwide continues to be a potent force driving discussions on identity, liberation, and socio-political progress of the continent and its people.

The Pan African Dialogue Institute (TPADI), according to Dr. Udo, is therefore established to pursue the decolonization of the mind through education, policy analysis, policy building and advocacy around multi-faceted issues within the threshold of Pan-African principles.

He said, ‘’Our job is to inspire excellence and best practices in Pan Africanism, promote African values of community, hospitality, respect for human and environmental dignity, unity in diversity, love and solidarity with all, as encapsulated in the Ubuntu philosophy.

We are seeking to reverse the mentality that Africans are not capable of helping themselves and solving their problems’’.

‘’We want to reverse that culture of dependency on external assistance that unfortunately still prevails on the continent. If people become too reliant on getting their support, their nourishment and their safety from outside sources, they do not strive to find the power within themselves to rely on their own capacities. Pan Africanism calls upon Africans to drawn on their own strengths and capacities and become self-reliant. Again, we are seeking to celebrate our Africanness, the unity, resilience and collective identity as Africans. And, we want to achieve all these by using dialogue and collaboration among individuals, communities, institutions and nations’’, he said.

The institute is marking the 2024 International Africa Day with pomp and pageantry.

Nigeria is among the multitude of African countries that have never celebrated Africa Day which is May 25. It was on May 25, 1963, that leaders of the then 32 independent African States signed a founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which brought the Organization of African Unity into existence.

In 2002, the OAU established its own successor, the African Union, and adopted May 25 every year as a day to celebrate Africa and highlight the continent’s continued struggle against neocolonialism, exploitation and adversity.

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Surprisingly, ever since the day was declared, only nine African countries (The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) are known to observe May 25 as public holiday with celebrations.

The other 46 countries, including Nigeria are less aware of this very important day.

By marking the day with many festivities next week, TPADI is has made Nigeria join the other nine countries to celebrate Africa Day for the first time ever.

‘’Our institute will be formally launched on May 25 in a grand ceremony at the University of Uyo with former President Goodluck Jonathan as the chairman of the occasion. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Ndaeyo and hundreds of distinguished personalities from Nigeria and outside the country will be present.

Gov. Umo Eno will lay the foundation for the International Headquarters of the Institute at the University. There will be speeches, fairs, cultural displays and other events on the Africa Day’’, Udo enthused.

Between May 23 and 26, 2024, the institute will host the first international conference on “Dialogue and Pan Africanism’’.

The conference is held in collaboration with Centre for Deep Dialogue and Critical Thinking, Directorate of International Programmes and faculties of Arts, Law, Social Sciences, and Communication and Media Studies of the University of Uyo.

Already, Professor P.L.O Lumumba has confirmed his participation as the keynote speaker at the conference, while plenary speakers will include Prof. Wole Soyinka; Prof. Mutombo Nkulu-N’Sengha (DR Congo/USA), Prof. Mary Nyangweso (Kenya/USA), Prof. Emmanuel Akpabio (Nigeria), Amb. Daniel Guttierez (Rep. of Belize), Prof. Joseph Ushie (Nigeria), Dr. Donatus Ukpong (Nigeria), Prof. Chris Ekong (Nigeria), Prof. Peter Esu (Nigeria), Dr. Jean-Louis Ikambana (USA), Prof. Aniekan Brown (Nigeria), Prof. Mojisola Iseyin (Nigeria), Prof. Gabriel Umoh (Nigeria), Dr. Ubong Essien Umoh (Nigeria), among others.

The conference seeks to provide informed Pan-Africanist perspectives on a wide range of issues affecting Africa and its people everywhere in the world.

Presenters are expected to explore the trajectories of development in the continent from the lens of Pan-Africanism.

They will probe the different approaches, theories, philosophies or ideologies that have been adopted at community, national and continental levels by key players to drive developmental efforts.

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Africa

JUST IN: Burkina Faso Bans Bill Gates-Backed GMO Malaria Project

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Burkina Faso’s military government has halted a malaria eradication project backed by billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and his foundation.

The project, run by the research consortium Target Malaria, focused on releasing genetically modified mosquitoes into the environment to help eradicate malaria.

On Friday, authorities ordered Target Malaria to immediately suspend all operations in the West African nation.

The move marks yet another clash between the government and international non-governmental organizations, many of which have faced intense restrictions under military rule.

The decision sparked heated reactions from civil society groups. Opponents of the project argue that Burkina Faso should focus on safer and more traditional solutions rather than experimenting with controversial genetic technologies.

A spokesperson for a coalition campaigning against the project stated that citizens “deserve protection through proven health measures, not risky experiments.”

Target Malaria, however, defended its work.

The group insisted that since 2012, it has complied with Burkina Faso’s national laws and worked closely with local authorities.

It expressed readiness to cooperate further with the government despite the sudden suspension.

The project has faced criticism not only within Burkina Faso but also internationally.

It became the target of online disinformation campaigns that claimed the genetically modified mosquitoes posed unforeseen dangers to the ecosystem.

While the first release of such mosquitoes took place in 2019, the long-term effects remain under global scientific debate.

Burkina Faso, one of the ten countries most affected by malaria, recorded more than eight million cases in 2024 alone.

The disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, particularly among children under five.

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Supporters of the Target Malaria initiative argue that innovation is crucial to ending this deadly cycle, but critics fear it could introduce new risks.

This ban comes amid wider tensions between the military rulers and international organizations.

Since seizing power nearly three years ago, Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s administration has increasingly tightened control over foreign-funded NGOs.

In recent months, the government revoked the licenses of at least 21 groups, accusing some of pushing foreign agendas and destabilizing national sovereignty.

Analysts see the latest crackdown as part of a broader trend. Burkina Faso’s rulers are distancing the country from Western-backed projects while strengthening ties with alternative global partners.

However, the sudden halt to malaria research may come at a cost, as the country continues to battle one of the world’s deadliest diseases.

For now, the future of genetically modified mosquito projects in Burkina Faso remains uncertain.

The debate highlights the sharp divide between innovation and caution, science and politics, as the country balances urgent health needs with national sovereignty concerns

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Paul Chukwuma joins peaceful march against Udogachi, SASA operatives in Anambra

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Paul Chukwuma

 

The candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in the November Governorship election in Anambra State, Sir Paul Chukwuma, on Friday joined a peaceful march against the intimidation and abuse meted out to Ndi Anambra by operatives of Udogachi and SASA through misuse of governmental authority.

Udogachi, a security outfit created by the Soludo-led Government and the SASA, an anti-touting agency otherwise known as Ndi Akodo, which is notorious for using pestles on citizens, have come under intense scrutiny owing to the numerous clips of their abuses against the people.

In the past week, operatives of Udogachi have come under serious criticism for manhandling a young girl who is a serving youth corps member in Oba, Idemili South LGA of Anambra State.

During the peaceful march against the brutality of Udogachi and SASA, which was organized by Make Anambra Great Again, the YPP Governorship candidate regretted that the governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, would allow agencies of the State established to serve the people to become instruments of operation against the same people.

“Anambra is not in a good place today. It affects all of us. We are determined to fix our state,” Paul Chukwuma said while addressing a large crowd at Eke Awka market.

The peaceful march, which commenced from Aroma Junction in Awka, terminated at the Anambra State Police Headquarters in Amawbia, where the group was received by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Ibrahim Ezekiel.

At the Anambra State Police Command’s office, Sir Paul Chukwuma addressed the DCP and listed some of the reasons for the peaceful march, which include the abuse meted out to innocent citizens by Udogachi and SASA.

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He also called on the police to rise up to their responsibilities, while assuring them of support from Ndi Anambra.

“The responsibility placed on the government in terms of protection of lives and properties is well spelt out in the constitution. In Anambra today, we are experiencing what is a negation of the position of the law. We know the agencies of government that are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring law and order in our state. Anambra State is still part of Nigeria as a sub-national entity. We are experiencing something that has never happened in the history of Anambra State…with what is happening today, we are beginning to wonder if the Nigerian Police Force has abdicated their responsibility and duty to Ndi Anambra. Today, we have experienced a litany of what we call an aberration to the protocol of such organization and agency (Udogachi and SASA). A lot of heinous crimes are being perpetrated in Anambra State by the so-called security outfit Udogachi. We don’t have anything against establishing such an outfit. But we are of the opinion that such outfits, when established, must abide by the rule of law,” Chukwuma said.

Reacting, DCP Ibrahim Ezekiel, who stood in for the Commissioner of Police, assured Paul Chukwuma and the group that the issues raised would be addressed by working with all stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Nkem Mbonu, the group’s coordinator, said that the group had articulated three clear demands from their engagements with the people of Anambra State.

The demands include: an investigation into cases of missing persons in Anambra State. Secondly, an investigation into the alleged secret cells of Udogachi in Awka and Onitsha. Finally, the assumption of full security of the state by the police, as well as the disbandment of SASA.

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The walk, which covered about seven kilometers, was well received by thousands of Anambra residents, who expressed their disapproval of the modus operandi of Udogachi and SASA operatives.

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News

VIRAL VIDEO: Moment Yahaya Bello Orders Kogi State House Members to Sit on Floor, Gives Strict Directives

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IGP withdraws all policemen attached to Kogi ex-gov, Yahaya Bello

A viral video circulating on social media has captured former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello making newly elected State House of Assembly member, Hassan Shado, and his supporters sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.

The meeting took place at Bello’s residence on Monday, where he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss party unity and responsibilities.

Shado, who won the Dekina-Okura II State Constituency by-election on August 16, was formally presented to the former governor.

INEC declared Shado the winner after he polled 55,073 votes, defeating Godwin Meliga of the PDP, who garnered 1,038 votes.

During the session, Bello emphasized that Shado must strictly obey the directives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in all legislative matters.

He drew his ear to stress the importance of cooperation, warning the lawmaker to align with Assembly decisions even when he did not fully understand them.

Bello said, “Go and cooperate with the Speaker and other members of the House of Assembly. Support Governor Ododo in everything that comes to the Assembly, even if you don’t understand it.”

Bello also reminded Shado that political victories are collective achievements.

He stated, “No candidate wins an election alone. Your people worked tirelessly from nomination to election day. Do not let them down.”

He urged inclusivity, consultation, and collective leadership, emphasizing that unity remains the key to APC’s continued success in Kogi State.

The former governor praised the people of Kogi East for demonstrating unity, which he said had been lacking in the past.

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He further expressed confidence that APC would retain all major political positions in upcoming elections, declaring, “Our President, Bola Tinubu, will be re-elected.

Governor Ododo will be re-elected. All our candidates will continue to win on our great party’s platform.”

Bello’s post-governorship period has been marked by controversy.

The EFCC accused him of diverting over N110 billion from Kogi State coffers during his tenure.

He evaded multiple court summons and even a failed arrest in Abuja that led to a shootout. Ultimately, Bello surrendered to the EFCC on November 26, 2024, after months of avoiding legal proceedings.

Despite his legal troubles, Bello maintains influence over APC lawmakers in Kogi and continues to assert political authority, as shown in the recent video with Shado.

Watch the video below.

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Africa

Why Every Nigerian Should Learn Combat Skills — CDS

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to acquire combat skills such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to protect themselves in the face of increasing danger.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, August 21, General Musa likened learning martial arts to other essential survival skills, including driving and swimming.

“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim.

Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct,” he said.

He added that in Europe, swimming and basic security education are compulsory because citizens must understand and practice personal safety.

The defence chief emphasised that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training into its programme to prepare graduates for real-world threats.

He explained, “That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. Self-defence is very important.

Unarmed combat, swimming, driving these are critical aspects of human survival. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future.”

General Musa further encouraged Nigerians to remain situationally aware of their environment, alerting authorities to any suspicious activities or individuals.

He said, “The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.”

Highlighting evolving threats, General Musa disclosed that terrorists increasingly use gold to finance their operations.

He noted that complex international networks make it difficult to immediately expose or prosecute these financiers. “Gold is the main source.

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They circulate it through various channels, including foreign links, which complicates intervention,” he explained.

General Musa acknowledged that bad roads and challenging terrains hinder rapid military response to attacks.

He said, “Many Nigerians expect immediate intervention from the Armed Forces without understanding the logistical challenges. By the time information reaches us, terrorists have already struck and vanished because they move more quickly in these regions.”

He added that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East further slow troop movement.

Regarding the Southeast, General Musa noted that the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland in November 2024 has improved security in the region.

He said, “Troops are actively pursuing Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. We will continue operations until all threats are neutralised.”

The CDS also praised the synergy among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, which led to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders, describing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.

General Musa concluded by announcing an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference to foster continental collaboration and enhance regional security efforts.

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Health

Police Arrest Fake Doctor as Woman Dies During Abortion

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Detectives from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a man posing as a medical doctor following the death of a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Sunday Etim, during an alleged illegal abortion.

The suspect, identified as Sunday Okon Akpan, reportedly owns and operates the Full Life Medical Centre (FLMC) in Ikot Obio Odongo, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Timfon John, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom Police Command, revealed that police launched a search for the victim after receiving a distress call from her mother.

DSP John stated that operatives acted quickly following the report, which indicated that Blessing had gone to work at the FLMC and never returned.

According to police reports, the suspect attempted to secretly dispose of the victim’s body in her room.

A co-tenant, who witnessed the act, raised an alarm, forcing the suspect to abandon the corpse and flee the scene.

Police quickly arrived at the scene, where detectives discovered a premature foetus, confirming the occurrence of an illegal abortion.

Police traced and arrested Sunday Okon Akpan, a resident of Afaha Offiong village, Nsit Ibom LGA.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is not a licensed medical doctor or nurse but a community health practitioner who allegedly used his clinic to perform illegal medical procedures, including abortions.

The health centre has since been found abandoned.

DSP John confirmed that the victim’s body has been deposited at a morgue for preservation and autopsy, while investigations continue to uncover more details surrounding the incident.

She also promised to update the public as the probe progresses.

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This shocking incident highlights the dangers of unlicensed medical practitioners operating clinics and offering illegal procedures.

Police authorities are warning residents to verify the credentials of anyone offering medical services and to report suspicious activities to prevent similar tragedies.

As the investigation unfolds, Akwa Ibom police have vowed to ensure that justice is served, and the public remains safe from unqualified medical practitioners operating in the state.

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