By Austin Oyibode
As Africa celebrates Africa Day, Senator Ned Nwoko has issued a stirring message urging the continent to rise beyond symbolic gestures and commit to bold reforms, economic independence, and a genuine continental unity, led by Nigeria.
In his dual role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation and a vocal advocate for African integration, Nwoko described Africa Day as more than a commemoration — calling it a moment for deep reflection and decisive action.
“Africa must be reorganized and refocused,” the Senator said. “The time is now. The mission is ours. The hope for a stronger, united Africa lives in each one of us.”
Nwoko emphasized the historic responsibility of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, to take the lead in driving justice, economic reform, and political transformation on the continent.
“The day we decide as a country to wake up to this expected leadership role, there will be some changes in Africa,” he declared, adding that economic empowerment must be a top priority.
He stressed that without economic self-sufficiency — through local manufacturing, job creation, and intra-African trade — Africa cannot achieve true independence. “With people gainfully employed and producing locally, we can begin to regain our glory.”
Nwoko described the lasting effects of slavery, colonialism, and modern exploitation as a “psychological trauma” that continues to undermine Africa’s progress.
“This is how I describe the silent loop that has held us captive,” he said. He criticized ongoing foreign influence over African governance and development, calling for an end to the continent’s dependency on external powers. “Europeans cannot build our continent for us. We must do it for ourselves,” he asserted.
A central feature of Nwoko’s vision is the transformation of the African Union into a body with real legislative power and democratic legitimacy.
He advocated for a Union Parliament “not symbolic or distant, but legitimate and representative,” with members elected directly by Africans across the continent. “Only through such direct representation can the African Union reflect the true hopes and dreams of its people,” he argued.
Nwoko also called for improved intra-African transportation, a common African currency, and even a unifying language to help foster deeper integration.
“We talk about Africa’s economy, but we must also talk about how Africans move freely across borders, just like in Europe. Until that is done, we will not have a united voice,” he said.
He urged the continent to invest in infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, and civic leadership — solutions grounded in African values and led by Africans themselves.
Senator Nwoko extended an invitation to the African Diaspora, envisioning a future where Africans abroad return to contribute to a prosperous homeland. “Africa is big enough for all of us,” he affirmed.
As Africa Day marks the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union), Nwoko’s message served as both a challenge and a roadmap: a call for African nations — especially Nigeria — to awaken, lead, and unite.
“This is not merely a political aspiration, it’s a generational duty,” Senator Nwoko said.
