Lagos, Sept. 17, 2024 (TheGavel) – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged African countries to unite and strengthen their economic ties to foster a more integrated and prosperous Pan-African economy. He made this call during the commemoration of Angola’s National Founder and Hero’s Day, held on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Lagos.
The event, organized by the Embassy of Angola in Nigeria, honored the legacy of Angola’s first president, Agostinho Neto, who led the country to independence on Nov. 11, 1975. Themed “Pan-Africanism in the Political Course by Agostinho Neto,” the gathering paid tribute to Neto’s significant role in Angola’s liberation and his broader contributions to the Pan-African movement.
Obasanjo, a leading figure in African politics, emphasized the need to prioritize economic collaboration across the continent, a key aspect he believes has been neglected in the broader Pan-African agenda.
“One of the things we tend to do as humans is forget the past and our leaders who made sacrifices for what we are enjoying today,” Obasanjo said. “We have achieved political and cultural Pan-Africanism to an extent, but now we must focus on the economic liberation of Africa.”
He highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a step toward achieving economic unity. However, he noted that more must be done to achieve true economic emancipation, stating that African nations still struggle to wield economic power on the global stage.
“Our Pan-Africanism must be strong. When we were formulating the charter for a new African Union (AU) from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), we focused heavily on economic ties,” Obasanjo said. “We must now ask ourselves, why did we experience the slave trade? It’s because other nations wanted resources to fuel their economies and develop their new world. That need for energy and wealth led to exploitation—first through slavery, then colonialism, and now other forms of economic control.”
The former Nigerian president called on African leaders to focus on economic Pan-Africanism, stressing that without economic strength, the continent will continue to be dependent and vulnerable.
“As long as we are economically weak, we are going nowhere,” Obasanjo warned. “Pan-Africanism today should focus on the economic liberation of Africa, and we must continue the work from where Agostinho Neto and other leaders left off.”
He also reflected on the historical alliance between African nations and Cuba, praising former Cuban President Fidel Castro for his pivotal role in supporting Angola’s liberation. Obasanjo recalled how Nigeria contributed $20 million to support Angola’s fight for independence, underscoring the importance of solidarity among African countries.
“Pan-Africanism today cannot succeed without economic collaboration. We must ensure that Africa achieves economic liberation,” he reiterated.
Speaking at the event, Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, José Zau, highlighted Neto’s enduring influence on the principles of African brotherhood and unity. He noted that the choice of Lagos as the venue for the commemorative event was significant, reflecting the strong historical ties between the late Neto and the city.
“It was here, during the regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo, that Neto was honored by the University of Lagos in the 1970s with the prestigious Doctor Honoris Causa award,” Zau said. “This award, associated with Neto’s political career, made him an unavoidable figure in the history of political ideas in Angola and across Africa.”
Zau emphasized that Neto’s philosophy of unity and solidarity continues to shape Angola’s approach to Pan-Africanism today. His legacy, he added, serves as a guiding light for future generations of Africans who seek to build a more united and self-reliant continent.
The Nigerian government, represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar through Olamide Adediro, reaffirmed its commitment to deepening relations with Angola. Tuggar highlighted the historical and cultural connections between the two countries, noting that their partnership is rooted in a shared vision of Pan-Africanism.
“Nigeria is proud to have played a part in supporting Angola’s independence struggle, guided by the same ideals that have shaped our own journey,” Tuggar said. “Neto’s vision of a united and self-reliant Africa is one we share with our Angolan brothers and sisters. The liberation of Angola was not only a triumph for Angola but for all Africans and the entire black race.”
Tuggar added that Nigeria and Angola would continue to work closely together to address the challenges facing Africa and realize the continent’s full potential.
As Africa continues to navigate its path toward economic self-sufficiency, Obasanjo’s call for stronger economic ties resonates as a reminder that political independence is only part of the journey. True liberation, he argues, lies in Africa’s ability to control its economic destiny through collaboration and unity.(NAN)
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