Feature/OPED
African Challenges to African Development
By Ehiedu Iweriebor
The parlous story of African economic and social development since independence best expressed in the failure to achieve the autonomous capacity for self-actuated development and in particular to create conditions of national and continental modern mass production and prosperity is well known and need not be repeated.
It is enough to re-state that Africa’s development failure was because of the leaderships’ choice to retain, maintain and expand the inherited exocentric colonial system of development incapacitation, primary commodity export, import dependency and poverty generation.
The progressive efforts of some African states and leaders to change the system and create self-reliant economies were stymied by the leaderships’ ideological inadequacies and dependency, the balance of payment crises of the late 1970s and 1980s and the subsequent economic crises and decline.
This provided the avenue for Western multilateral imperialist agencies the World Bank and the IMF – to successfully infiltrate into Africa, re-colonize African states and convert them into neo-colonial out-posts of the so-called neo-liberal consensus.
This framework embodied in the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP) with its destructives conditionalities: currency devaluation, trade liberalization, subsidy removal, deregulation and privatization, re-directed the African states to focus on expanded raw materials production and exports and to abandon industrialization and development capacitation.
The application of these anti-development SAP dogmas in the 1980s and 1990s ushered in two decades of deepening indebtedness, serious economic crises, de-industrialization, socio-economic decline, deepening impoverishment and political repression.
On the other hand, the period also saw the upsurge of popular democratisation struggles, civil rights campaigns, the restoration democracy, and the establishment of electoral democracy and the decline of military interventions in African politics.
In the economic sphere, there were innovative dependency-reducing responses. This was because among businesses there was an increased re-orientation toward local sourcing of well-known agricultural and mineral endowments to expand production.
This led to the emergence of new economic sectors and especially the expansion of cottage, small and medium scale consumer goods industries which were operationally autonomous due to the increased utilization of local resources for production and self-development.
In addition, there was relative political stability and policy and institutional the support for businesses through the creation of enabling environments for attracting investments.
It was partly because of these new domestic conditions and the economic self-activation, and the partly because of return of better commodity prices in the first decade of the 21st century that the Western media fabricated and propagated the new view of “Africa Rising”.
This became a very popular and re-assuring slogan among some African leaders, politicians and intelligentsia.
However, it was an insecure condition because a “Rising Africa” whose upsurge is generated by increased external demand for primary commodities is essentially insecure.
It does not represent genuine African development that is based on expansive domestic production and prosperity generation.
It merely reinforces African dependency on primary commodity export and its dependence on the importation of manufactured goods. It is evaporating with the speed with which it was proclaimed.
But there was a more consequential development story of this period that ushered in what this author describes as the Affirmative African Narrative phase of development. This is the progressive assumption by African businesses of the leadership role in promoting national and pan-African development.
This new trend of African self-development is captured by the new concept of “Africans Investing in Africa” This is the process by which African industrial, service, and commercial enterprises began to make large-scale investments in many different African countries.
The investments involve for example the expansion of Banks, telecommunication companies, trading companies and so on.
Examples of these include Nigerians Banks like UBA, Zenith, Access, First Bank; South African banks like Standard Bank and Moroccan Banks; Telecommunication companies such as MTN of South Africa, ECONET of Zimbabwe and GLOBACOM of Nigeria. Others are Shoprite, Coca cola and South African Breweries.
While Africans investing in Africa is becoming common and commendable, it is important to emphasize that NOT ALL African investments in Africa are of equal economic importance or strategic development value.
For example, African investments like Shoprite and similar companies which merely establish commercial or trading enterprises that do not add value to African economies are no different from traditional non-African FDI companies that are established to create captive markets for products from their home countries and thereby maximally exploit Africa.
On the other hand, African companies that make investments that are decisive and transformational are those that deliberately promote and advance African development capacitation, through local resource exploitation, mass industrialization, large scale industrial, agricultural and mineral production, and beneficiation for internal use.
In terms of investment for development capacitation through local resource utilization and valorization, the vanguard African company is the Dangote Group.
In order to ensure that Africa achieves self-sufficiency in the critically important infrastructure development requirement – CEMENT – Dangote embarked on a pan-African investment strategy to establish integrated plants, or grinding plants or cement terminals in African countries according to their resource endowments.
The Group’s ultimate objective is become the ascendant cement manufacturing company in Africa. There is no question that the Dangotean strategy of development capacitation through local resource exploitation, mass industrial production and domestic prosperity-generation is what Africa requires to become the self-actuated mover of its own development and to create a secure development upsurge and continental prosperity that does not depend on the vagaries of external demand for primary commodities.
This Dangotean transformational mission and project is now been threatened by what seems like the unwillingness of African countries to respect and maintain carefully crafted legal investment agreements as sacrosanct documents and binding commitments.
Within the past year, the Group has faced major challenges as a result of the failure of some African states to keep their sides of the bargain or agreements concluded with Dangote Group.
This happened late last year in Tanzania when the government seemed to renege on some elements within the agreements reached with the Dangote Group to give it concessions and incentives for the massive investments of over $500 million dollars that the Group made in the construction of the monumental cement plant in Mtwara, Tanzania.
This Dangote Cement plant with its 3 million metric tonnes per annum capacity is the largest cement plant in Eastern Africa. In addition to the cement plant, other associated Dangote development projects include the construction of a coal power plant and a jetty. While these are primarily beneficial to the Groups business, they also represent important investments and permanent additions to Tanzania’s power and sea transport sectors.
Together these projects have generated significant direct employment opportunities and as they mature and attain full production capacity the multiplier effects in various sub-sectors would be expansive and extensive, thereby creating prosperity and income in the community as well as revenues for the local, regional and national the governments.
But due to the problems Dangote had to temporarily shut down the plant; and after negotiations and assurances that restored the original terms, the plant resumed production.
This Dangotean Tanzanian experience of government infidelity to the sanctity of agreements can only create profound doubts among business people on the readiness of African states and leaders to move Africa forward.
But the Group’s challenges in Africa are not over. Just recently, in Ethiopia, the regional government of Oromo Regional State where Dangote’s new over $400 million dollar, 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum cement plant is located came up with new conditions that are bound to disrupt the operations of the Dangote plant.
In what it claimed is an attempt to provide employment for jobless Oromo youth it decided to withdraw all mining licences and agreements already concluded with Dangote and similar other companies with mining concessions.
In its place the regional government claimed that it would create youth owned companies that would now supply the minerals required by the cement and other plants.
This action of the Oromo regional government in illegally annulling legally approved mining agreements with the Dangote Group and other companies raise major questions on the genuine preparedness of African states, politicians, and bureaucrats to foster Africa’s self-development through Africans investing in Africa.
Without question the action of these governments represents major challenges to Africans assumption of responsibility for their development and the emergent Affirmative Africa Narrative.
In fact at its core, these anti-investment actions are a repudiation of the long-standing aspirations of Pan-Africanism and its advocates, and the practical commitment of the continental organizations like the former Organization of African Union (OAU) and the current African Union (AU) to promote African-led development through investments, intra-African trade and exchange, as instruments for creating secure African development and domestic prosperity-generation.
This is a good example of how some African leaderships’ represent serious obstacles to African development. Quite clearly any aspiration for Africa’s take off through self-actuated development as represented by the transformational efforts of Dangote and similar committed pan-African economic revolutionaries is weakened by such leadership unfaithfulness, irresponsibility and lack of serious commitments to African investors.
Despite these set-backs, it is important for African states and the continental and regional economic groups to reaffirm their commitment to African-led transformational industrial development as the basis for Africa’s capacitation for self-actuated development.
In this light, it is imperative for the AU and its various economic agencies to design Continental Investment Protection Agreements that would commit African states to respect and uphold already approved agreements and avoid arbitrary nullifications of legally binding instruments.
An additional guarantor is for each African state to negotiate investment protection treaties with each other. In fact this is especially indicated for countries such as Nigeria where investors are increasingly embarking on Pan-African development investments.
Finally, pan-African transformational investors like Dangote should remain committed and not be discouraged by these clearly disruptive actions of hapless, backward and anti-African development leaders.
The Dangotes’ of Africa as continental transformational vanguards should remain firmly committed to their chosen paths of legal profit making and simultaneous contribution to Africa’s transformation, economic development, prosperity-generation, psychological liberation, and the restoration of Africans dignity and equality with others in the world.
These are worthwhile and enduring ideals and challenges that transformational revolutionaries and societal game-changers are bound to encounter and overcome so as to create new worlds.
Ehiedu Iweriebor is a Professor and former Chair of the Department of Africana and Puerto Rican/Latino Studies, Hunter College, City University of New York, USA.
Feature/OPED
Reflection on Groups’ Kindness to Alidinma Mixed Secondary and Ute Okpu Grammar Schools
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
This piece was inspired by two separate but related events; the first has to do with the news report that Dr. Philomena Onoyona Foundation, in line with its vision of giving unwavering commitment to education and community development, recently made a strategic visit to Alidinma Mixed Secondary School in Agbor Alidinma in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, where it donated learning materials worth thousands of naira to the students.
The second and closely related to the above centres on the revelation that the Ute Okpu Community in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State recently came alive as the 1990 Set of Ute Okpu Grammar School Old Students Association celebrated its annual reunion with a series of social responsibilities aimed at giving back to the society.
These activities, programmes and initiatives include but are not limited to; deworming of children aged 10 years and below, payment of tribute to the unsung heroes of Ute Okpu Grammar School, presentations of lecture series, bestowing of awards, testimonials, plaques and cash gifts on the school’s outstanding/dedicated teachers, staff, and alumni in recognition of their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, and unrelenting passion for education.
At a glance, the above show of love by the Foundation and the Old Students Association portrays a bunch that recognizes Social Responsibility as an ethical framework in which individuals or corporations must act in the best interests of their environment and society as a whole, fulfilling their civil duty and taking actions that are beneficial to both the present and upcoming generations.
Beyond the donations, worthy of mention are their messages of hope and resolve to continually support both the present and future students within the state and beyond.
Take as an illustration, Dr. Onoyona underlined that the latest visit and donation of learning materials to the students of Alidinma Mixed Secondary School is the foundation’s way of raising from our community, academically strong and well-informed youths that will provide the future leadership needs of our nation as well as compete favourably with their counterparts abroad’’.
The Nigerian-born and U.S.-based social worker and advocate while calling on other well-meaning and quietly influential Nigerians to team up in her current quest to uplift less privileged and vulnerable youths out of poverty and illiteracy, added that this benevolent outreach which focuses on empowering students through provisions of essential educational materials such as school bags, relevant books, pens, and pencils, among others will continue and be extended to other schools within Delta state and beyond to equip the students with the tools needed to excel academically and inspire a brighter future.
In a related development, Speaking via a statement signed by one of the leading members, Chukwuka Justus Iwegbu and titled; The Spirit of Giving Back to Our Community and Alma Mater: A Tribute to the Unsung Heroes of Ute Okpu Grammar School 1990 Set Old Students Association, the Ute Okpu Old Students Association explained that the event which took place at Ute Okpu Unity Town Hall was a testament to the enduring spirit of the alumni association and its commitment to recognizing the contributions of its esteemed members.
“One thing that brought us together after so many years of leaving our alma mater is unity and love. We may not bother ourselves with the sung and unsung stories because we have a whole lot of members who believe in an unsung story of positive contribution and impact on the lives of others. Remembering our roots remains our major mandate and a call to duty.
“The Ute Okpu Grammar School Alumni Association, 1990 set, is committed to giving back to our alma mater and the Ute Okpu community. We believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of individuals and communities, and we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote educational excellence and intergenerational change,” the statement concluded.
Without a doubt, it will be convenient for many to argue that there is nothing philanthropic to attract media coverage of such a low-profiled donation of learning material, particularly as the value of the donation in question is not measured in billions of Naira.
For me, there are lessons to learn from these groups and every reason to celebrate their actions.
First and very fundamental is the hidden truth that members of these groups are not in absolute terms wealthy, particularly going by Nigerians’ context and definition of riches but were predominantly fired by the burning desire to uplift the life chances of the poor and vulnerable in their environment through educational support.
Regardless of what others may say, this piece holds the opinion that these morally eminent men and women made donations to schools not only as a positive behavioural culture but largely in recognition of the time-honoured aphorism which considers education as the bedrock of development; that with sound educational institutions, a country is as good as made -as the institutions will turn out all rounded manpower to continue with the development of the society driven by well thought out ideas, policies, programmes, and projects.
Their action equally symbolises a bunch in consonance with the fact that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our schools work and our children are properly educated at the right time.
With their culture of donating to the students’ welfare and comfort, the group, in my view, amplified the notion that children enjoy the right to education as recognized by a number of international conventions, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which recognizes a compulsory primary education for all, an obligation to develop secondary education accessible to all, as well as the progressive introduction of free higher education/obligation to develop equitable access to higher education.
We must also not fail to remember that a few years ago, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in line with its mandate to promote and protect human rights, established the right to education as a thematic area of focus to drive its vision of having all children enrolled in school as well as to ensure that the culture of human rights is promoted and maintained in schools.
One common fact we must not shy away from as a people is that the crushing weight arising from education funding in Nigeria and globally has become too heavy for only the government to shoulder and that is another reason why the intervention/donation by these groups is most profound.
As we celebrate these uncommon efforts, the lesson we must all draw from the example of these groups is that it is time for all to collectively find creative and sustainable solutions to educational provision for all in Nigeria, especially for the children of the poor and lowly as these children deserve the right to hold all of us accountable.
If we fail to provide this traditional but universal responsibility to these children, their future will hang in the balance as a result of such failures. And chances are that most of them will run to the streets. And, as we know, the streets are known for breeding all sorts of criminals and other social misfits who constitute the real threat such as armed robbers, thugs, drug abusers, drunkards, prostitutes and all other social ills that give a bad name to society.
Utomi, a media specialist, writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He can be reached via [email protected]/08032725374
Feature/OPED
Ways to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions Without Breaking the Bank
Embarking on a new year often involves setting ambitious resolutions – a global tradition of striving for personal growth and positive change. We vow to eat healthier, exercise more, learn a new skill, or take on challenging DIY projects. However, as the initial enthusiasm wanes, some resolution may only fall by the wayside.
To enhance your chances of success, let’s delve into some common resolutions and explore key tips that will empower you. This includes setting clear and achievable goals and utilising tools that will equip you for the journey towards achieving those aspirations.
1. Enhancing physical wellbeing: Losing weight or improving fitness often requires a lot of different things working together. To support your efforts, consider utilising tools such as smartwatches to track progress, resistance bands for strength training, and cardio equipment like an exercise bike or treadmill. For home workouts, invest in dumbbells, kettlebells, and a yoga mat. A food scale can aid in portion control. You can also stay motivated by wearing nice workout clothes that makes exercise more fun. These products are all available on Temu, a direct-from-factory marketplace offering year-round deals to help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions.
2. Cultivating healthy eating habits: This often involves prioritising whole foods, minimising processed foods, and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. To simplify this journey, consider investing in helpful kitchen tools. A food processor can streamline meal prep, while an air fryer offers a healthier cooking alternative. A slow cooker is perfect for effortless and flavourful meals, and a vegetable spiraliser can make eating vegetables more enjoyable.
3. Prioritising stress reduction and wellness: Prioritising wellness is crucial for overall well-being. To reduce stress and feel better, focus on mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga and spend time in nature. Improve your sleep habits. Helpful tools include essential oil diffusers to create a calming atmosphere, weighted blankets for relaxation and comfort, stress balls to release tension and improve circulation, and noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions.
4. Trying out a side hustle to diversify income: Becoming a social media content curator, for example, is a rewarding pursuit in Nigeria, however, it requires careful planning and execution. Defining your niche and identifying reliable sources of content are crucial first steps. A strong technological foundation is essential for success. This includes a reliable computer or mobile device, a stable internet connection, and specialised software for editing (video, audio, and image). Investing in affordable high-quality recording equipment, such as cameras, is crucial for capturing professional-looking content, while good lighting is essential to enhance its visual appeal.
5. Strengthening personal relationships: This is a valuable resolution that can enhance our well-being and strengthen our relationships. In today’s busy world, it’s easy to let the demands of daily life overshadow meaningful connections. To make this resolution a reality, consider scheduling regular family dinners, planning weekend outings, or dedicating specific times for uninterrupted conversations. Remember that quality time is key; put away distractions and truly engage with your loved ones.
6. Contributing to the community through volunteering: Volunteering your time to a cause you believe in is a rewarding way to make a difference in your community and the world. Find a cause that resonates with you and explore opportunities within your local area. Start small and gradually increase your commitment. Remember that volunteering is a two-way street; it not only benefits the organisation but also provides you with a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Consistency and adaptability are key to achieving your New Year’s resolutions. Celebrate your successes, be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to adjust your approach when needed. Platforms like Temu can be invaluable allies, offering a wide range of affordable products to support your goals. From fitness equipment to kitchen essentials, Temu can effectively equip you without straining your budget.
Feature/OPED
Unlocking Full Human Potential: Growth, Diversity, and Purpose
In Nigeria’s diverse workforce, the conversation around diversity and inclusion (DEI) extends beyond gender to address tribal diversity, socioeconomic representation, and other cultural nuances. Policies that promote inclusivity are crucial for fostering collaboration in Nigeria’s multicultural corporate environment.
“An organisation is only as good as its people. Ensuring those people perform to their best is the role of human capital. Today, the field has a range of tools to ensure real-time engagement and agile interventions for optimal job satisfaction and performance”, – Catia Teixeira, MultiChoice Africa Holdings Group Executive Head of Human Capital.
In both our professional and personal lives, we all strive for growth and development. These opportunities are deeply rewarding, supporting the kind of self-actualisation that makes life most fulfilling. In the Nigerian workplace, where career growth often intertwines with societal expectations and the drive for self-improvement, human capital plays an even more significant role. Opportunities to grow are not just fulfilling but are deeply rooted in our collective ambition for a better future.
Employee engagement is a reflection of how actualised individuals feel in their roles. Engaged employees are more likely to perform at their peak and contribute positively to the workplace. In Nigeria, where the “hustle culture” is celebrated, organizations must create environments that not only nurture growth but also recognize and reward the efforts of their people.
When employees feel enriched and their work aligns with their aspirations, the results are transformative. Growth and development are not just personal milestones—they are the foundation of a thriving organization and, by extension, a more productive society.
Identifying Growth Opportunities
In every workplace, some employees stand out from the first day, while others take time to grow into their potential. Talent management processes must cater to both. For instance, a twice-yearly organizational talent review can help Nigerian companies identify where employees excel and where they need support.
Interactions within the workplace also play a crucial role. In Nigeria’s highly networked professional landscape, creating opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration can open new doors for employees. Systematic development plans, supported by tailored training, ensure that these opportunities translate into tangible growth.
Take the MultiChoice Academy, for example, which offers over 4,000 online courses spanning finance, HR, marketing, and other fields. This mirrors the Nigerian appetite for continuous learning, especially as industries rapidly embrace digital transformation. While face-to-face training remains valuable, customized e-learning platforms are pivotal in bridging knowledge gaps and preparing employees for the future of work.
For any training program, balance is key. Organizations must align employee development with business goals while ensuring individuals feel empowered to pursue their aspirations. In Nigeria, induction programs that connect new hires with company visions and purpose are critical to building this alignment.
One of the most rewarding aspects of human capital management is witnessing success stories unfold. In a country like Nigeria, where talent is abundant, but opportunities may be unevenly distributed, developing talent internally can make a significant impact. Long-term employees bring invaluable institutional knowledge, and nurturing their growth ensures they continue to drive organizational success.
At MultiChoice, we are deeply committed to equipping our workforce with the skills and confidence needed to excel. Whether it’s training young leaders, empowering women in leadership, or developing heads of departments, every investment in our people enhances their value – as individuals and as indispensable assets to the company.
What Diversity Means
At MultiChoice, gender equity remains a key focus. Women make up 46% of our workforce, and 46% of leadership roles are held by women—a significant achievement in a society where women often juggle professional aspirations with traditional family roles. Our promotions policy is designed to push these numbers to 50%, ensuring equity across all levels of the organization.
When entering new markets, MultiChoice intentionally applies its culture of inclusion, empowering women to excel in leadership positions. This commitment extends to addressing barriers unique to Nigeria, such as access to resources and mentorship for women in underrepresented fields.
Data Drives Change
To drive meaningful change, data is indispensable. Nigerian companies often face challenges like high employee turnover and workplace inefficiencies. By leveraging data, organizations can address these issues strategically.
MultiChoice uses platforms like Office Vibe to generate insights into employee engagement, satisfaction, and work-life balance. Weekly surveys and random polls provide actionable feedback, enabling quick interventions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
In Nigeria, where trust in leadership significantly influences workplace morale, data can also help bridge gaps between management and employees. Regular focus groups, coupled with robust analytics, ensure employees feel heard and supported. When organizations align employee needs with business goals, the result is a workforce driven by purpose and achievement.
The Collective Goal
In Nigeria, where community and collective growth are deeply valued, human capital strategies should emphasize the power of shared purpose. By investing in people, organizations contribute to a larger vision of national development.
At MultiChoice, every success story is a testament to this philosophy. From training young leaders to empowering women in leadership, the organization demonstrates that growth is a journey best undertaken together. For Nigeria, this represents a powerful blueprint for building a future where individuals and organizations thrive in harmony.
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