By Geraldine Onyenweaku
Professor Lumumba has expressed hope that Africa will rise again and begin to meet her goals and aspirations to her people and citizens.
Professor Lumumba who describes himself as an Afro- optimist made this remark Tuesday, November 26, at the 6TH Goddy Jidenma Foundation public lecture held in Lagos. The title of the lecture was: Governance, Insecurity, Poverty And Economic Development: Whither Africa?
The Professor of Public Law anchored his optimism on the 2063 Africa Agenda and the seven pillars on which it stands.
First, a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development
Secondly, an integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan- Africanism and the vision of African’s Renaissance,
An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law;
A peaceful and secure Africa;
An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics;
An Africa whose development is people- driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children
And lastly, Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player.
“If Africa gives meaning to the seven pillars, prosperity will be realized,” the professor quipped.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the event, Professor Joy Ogwu, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, said that virtue remains the crucial necessity to the survival of a free people.
“Going through school for so many years, we studied philosophy. One remarkable one that talked about Democracy is a French philosopher, Montesque. He came over during the American revolution to help them in establishing their society. And I chose him because he is the one who talked about virtue.” Ogwu noted.
She Continued, “Can we ask ourselves in the current systems of democracy that we practice, how we have involved virtues and values in order to govern?,” adding that the social contract between the governed and the ruler seems a bit hazy. She pointed out that individuals and citizens must understand their responsibilities, and that those who desire to be leaders must first be good citizens.