By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
As a child, I often accompanied my parents to the local market in Jankara, Lagos Island. The bustling atmosphere, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and the stories shared by elders about how God blessed our land with an abundance of natural resources left a lasting impression on me. I often wondered how such a place, rich in resources and cultural heritage, could ever face hardship. This thought lingers with me to this day as I, Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe, reflect on the current state of our continent, particularly Nigeria, and the many untapped opportunities that lie within our grasp.
Africa is a continent blessed with a wealth of natural resources. From rivers and oceans teeming with fish to fertile lands capable of producing diverse crops like pepper, vegetables, corn, beans, rice, yam, and cassava, our environment offers sustenance and potential for economic growth. These resources, provided by God’s grace, should be the cornerstone of our development, yet many African nations, including Nigeria, struggle to capitalize on them fully.
In the 1970s, Okepopo, Lagos Island, where I was born, enjoyed amenities comparable to those in the Western world and some parts of Asia, such as Saudi Arabia. We had uninterrupted power supply, clean pipe-borne water, and a network of well-maintained roads. However, the 1980s saw my family relocate to Maroko, now known as Lekki Phase 1 after the area was redeveloped. The original Maroko was demolished by the military government, led by Brigadier General Raji Rasaki, in 1990, displacing many residents.
During my primary school years at Maiyegun Community Primary School, I traveled through numerous towns along the Maroko-Ajah expressway, now known as the Lekki-Ajah expressway, witnessing the natural wealth in the form of mango, cashew, and sugarcane trees. Coconut trees lined the beaches, attracting tourists who found solace in our peaceful environment. Sadly, the safety and appeal of these tourist spots have dwindled over the years.
This decline in natural riches can be attributed to deforestation and urban development. The unchecked expansion of urban areas has not only depleted our natural resources but has also contributed to environmental degradation. Reflecting on my secondary school days at Ilasan Junior Secondary School and Ibeju High School, I recall the harmonious relationships I had with my Christian friends, which broadened my perspective as a Muslim. Unfortunately, today, religious differences often lead to conflicts that overshadow more pressing issues. Our fertile lands, once used for agriculture, are now increasingly being taken over by religious buildings, rather than being utilized for projects that could drive economic growth and improve living standards.
Having traveled to other West African countries like Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, I noticed that while the struggles for survival are similar, Africa’s potential remains largely untapped. Our continent is rich in petroleum, gold, platinum, uranium, and other resources that could transform our economies.
It is perplexing that we prioritize the construction of churches and mosques over essential infrastructure. Our leaders, both religious and educated, often fall into the traps of corruption and fraud, neglecting the true needs of the people. The depreciation of Nigeria’s currency, exacerbated by multiple taxes, unchecked inflation, high fuel prices, inadequate wages, and power shortages, further burdens the populace. Governance issues, including budget mismanagement, electoral malpractice, and excessive government borrowing, compound these challenges.
As Africans, we must recognize and harness our God-given resources to improve our societies. We must shift our focus from superficial projects to sustainable development that benefits everyone. By investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and by promoting good governance and transparency, we can create a prosperous future for our continent.
The natural wealth of Africa is a testament to God’s blessings upon us. It is our responsibility to utilize these resources wisely, ensuring that they contribute to the growth and well-being of all Africans. We have the potential to transform our continent into a beacon of prosperity and stability, but only if we choose to act with wisdom and foresight.