Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday called for more recognition for past African leaders who toiled to facilitate the development of the continent.
He noted that although pan-Africanism started as an ideology, it unfortunately became a political movement while neglecting the continent’s economic issues.
The ex-President spoke in Lagos at an event organised by the Angolan community in Lagos State to mark Angola’s 2024 National Founder and Hero’s Day.
The annual celebration takes place every September 17 to honour the birth of Angola’s first President, Dr. Agostinho Neto, a writer and politician born on September 17, 1922, who played a key role in securing Angola’s independence from Portugal.
Obasanjo, who spoke on the topic: “Pan-Africanism in the Political Course of Agostinho Neto,” emphasized that having achieved political independence, Africa must now focus on attaining economic freedom. He also bemoaned the tendency of Africans to forget their past leaders.
He said, “One of the things that we tend to do in Africa is to forget the past and our leaders who have made numerous contributions we are enjoying. We should thank you most sincerely.
“Pan-Africanism is a movement and ideology. Unfortunately, it emphasises solidarity in our coming together, and later on, it becomes political. It pays more attention to political movements than economic reasons. This is where I see a cavity in the form of Pan-Africanism ideology.”
In his address to the gathering on Tuesday, Angola’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, Mr. José Bamóquina Zau, called on the new generation of Africans to embrace the Pan-Africanist ideology championed by Neto and other African heroes.
He said, “President Neto has a historical and emotional connection with Lagos State, as it was during the regime of Murtala Muhammed that he was honoured by the University of Lagos in 1970. This award from the University of Lagos commended his political courage in Angola and Africa.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria provided financial support so that the first government of Angola could duly function. As a result, we Angolans are grateful for the strength of this brotherhood.
“President Neto’s dream to have a free Africa has been fulfilled. History has its political, sociological, and psychological dynamics. We hope the new generation, scholars, and those present here today can take good note of the essence of the late President Neto’s Pan-Africanism ideology.”
