Fundamental Obstacles to Africa’s Intellectual Renaissance

 Introduction

A closer look at Africa from inside and outside suggest among other movements a renewal of enduring tensions between forces at various scales since 2020. These tensions seem to have ebbed away or rather receded from the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. However post-collapse didn’t bring positive growth on most Africa’s indicators of life for the majority. Bad situations got worse before advancing to a freefall from 2011 to the present. The forces driving this collective holistic degeneration of peoples are consistent, unwavering and predictable. For many reasons, the intellectual springs and most African intellectuals either ignore the true underlying currents or fail to appreciate the reality of their structural power. Our focus in this output is to unveil two features of these gaps both of which reinforce each other.

Function of Time

Most readings of Africa’s experience even among Africans on the continent and in diaspora flow from unquestioned imposed timelines. Even when the timelines are appropriated, the substance of outcomes offer lightweight testimonies of positively disruptive solutions to facts of the ground. In most cases timelines are presented as mostly short and medium, both of which are insufficient and insignificant for comprehensive investigation of complexity. The popular timeline is the 1950s – 1960s given as disruptive when colonial powers or rather European elite offered most African nationalist leaders flag independence. If critical reflection is tolerated, such gestures of deceit were made without compensation after an average of 100 years of violent imposition. None of the colonial structures, philosophy, strategy and institutions including religions were radically changed. Just a change of personnel!

A wrong reading of pre-flag independence endured from colonial miseducation policies with its brainwashing operations and reductionist curricula. While indigenous neocolonial leaders pretend to offer credible alternatives, their policies only reinforced colonial agenda. Colonial oppression, massacres and genocide of millions of indigenous Africans were extended with radical passion in the name of national security. Many intellectuals move to uncritically glorify colonial excesses and even make pyrrhic distinctions between the British, Portuguese, Belgian and the French as if oppression and genocides as categories operated strictly along those lines.

Sadly, indigenous leaders including intellectuals since 1950s – 1960s settled for perpetuating false narratives of European superiority while failing repeatedly to show positive replications on the grounds. These deluded minds only feast on their illusions in so far as their lower appetites located in narrow personal interest are satisfied. They seek legitimacy without solidarity. There was nothing for the community and the peoples. The illusion is propagated in universities, secondary and primary schools in state-sanctioned intellectual poisoning of generations via public education. Till this day, cheerleaders with numerous degrees and rabid spokespersons in high places including religions continue to wax lyrical for indigenous mass degeneration. Colonialism in all its forms have no positive, it is an inherently evil geopolitical and geoeconomic strategy implemented by European elite with premeditated mass murder from institutional violence.

Civilisational Appeal

While colonialism in all its forms is evil regardless of timeline and executor, an extended timeline opens a wider frame for appraising it without diminishing the features of its operation in Africa. There are enduring core African principles recognised across diverse communities. These are family, community, religion and learning. This is the bedrock of millennia of civilisations and developments across the continents during periods of ascendance and instability respectively. Internal contexts offer useful insights on how peoples organise and developed. A longer time frame favour broader outlines of principles and features of mechanisms. Civilisations are never static and aren’t imposed to change radically in very short periods. Africa for the most part is an exporter of life and dispenser of true nobility.

The last 500 years has validated Europe as a geography of regression for Africans whose main products and exports to Africa till this day are evil and death. All European institutions and elite are united in their conviction that their boots of impunity and oppression on the neck of Africans is normative. This is a systematic geostrategic initiative with consistent resonance and sustaining power in each generation. Unfortunately most African intellectuals prefer to disinterestedly essentialise this clear stream of intergenerational construct against the strategic interest of their peoples. They offer no counter-narrative or contrary presentations. For those whose lands and peoples where subject to the gravest holocaust for over 300 years, in the form of international trade in African persons, intellectual dishonesty is intolerable. It is not so much that European elite spare their own peoples, no. The so-called first and second world wars with millions of fatalities are indisputable testimonies. European peoples worth less than their projected profits.

The idea that European elite offer shining examples for Africa’s advancement is reprehensive. To suggest that an uncritical implementation of so-called European theories and strategies for the strategic uplifting all Africans including the dead without taking into account indigenous cosmologies, civilisational realities and unique experiential categories is fraudulent. The avoidance of asymmetrical response and critical interrogation of foreign ideas, experiences, hypothesis and theories prior to implementation is the fountain of most African intellectuals. They are not only blind to inherent goodness of Africans, they accentuate their ignorance by explicating their own ontological poverty, thoughtlessness and historical unconsciousness.

Conclusion

The current global geopolitical conflagration is a strong sign of the times, a slow transition to an irreversible phase. Our reflection reaffirm the inherent evil of colonialism and delineate Europe as a space of evil and death (for Africans collectively), its enduring primary exports to Africa. Europe is not an example, its elite are strategically conditioned to go violently against Africa’s interest. Most African intellectuals have refused or failed to acknowledge consistent facts, patterns and relationships. The currency of new reactions and tentative counter-actions in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are the first robust entrée to indigenous appropriation of history since the 1960s. While it is too early to draw conclusions, all the hallmarks of indigenous resistance to European elite and defacing of flag independence are undeniable in these territories.

Reflecting on Western Instability and Uncertainty from Africa

 Introduction

Observation is an empirical art influenced by complex variables connected to different  observers. Nevertheless general patterns do emerge over time despite the fact that they are limited in terms of offering specific answers to current facts on the ground. Using long durée approach, patterns of less than 500 years old carry lightweight. This is the case with observing the West i.e. United States including her protectorates (Germany, Japan, South Korea etc), United Kingdom and her underlines (Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc). Viewed from Africa, these states loom larger than life with an almost intellectual and metaphysical suffocation disconnected from reality. A critical reflection of the same data from Africa (of the rolling 500 years) in the last decade (contrary to daily fake news) reveal patterns that have been in place all the time suggesting that these capitals and their chancelleries are rather expressions of enduring human condition.

After 2011

2011 is an important year for Africa and Africans because this is the year when the last shred of collective dignity and potent sovereignty evaporated with the murder of Col Ghaddafi and the destruction of Libya. The result has been a reinforcement of regressive unjustifiable leadership across the continent but also an explosion of enormous pressure on the minority voices clamouring for true enduring change for the majority.

The intellectual class formed on uncritical ideas and poisonous hand-me-down theories from western thinkers continue to froth passionately their assumed solutions without evidence. Most in the religious sphere excluding indigenous religions continue to peddle their conflation of fake Christianity with rationalist European mantra plus gaps in true Islam. For these, salvation is Western Europe and United States. Alternative voices continue to struggle to be heard despite the absence of clear ideological footprint. Prior to 2020, celebration of stagnation and consolidation of ontological poverty turned into national treasure in Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, DR Congo and South Africa.

On the economic front the capital sin of international trade took a divine right posture where domestic currencies are eliminated for the enthronement of the dollar and euro. In the case of Nigeria, headlines bloom with findings of billions of foreign currency in officials’ homes. Evidently the owners validate their inability to redirect resources for common good. Capital flight is most evident from the same officials that wire huge number abroad to invest in foreign economies for the wellbeing of foreigners. Apparently, governments don’t work so anything the powerful elite do in private suffices. Nothing trickles down and none will trickle down. Is it just an African problem? The same human right champions of the West look the other way as their affirmation of ‘justice’. Let us see how they have performed so far?

Western Unravelling

As Africans continue their’ suffering and smiling’ in victimhood imposed by their own leaders over the decade, the Western elite radically advanced the integration of African economies through financial technological means. This consolidation of capital accumulation and financialization is underpinned by unlimited exploitation of Africa’s mineral resources. Geopolitically, the so-called independent states were further balkanised without fixed geographies to enable seamless illegal transfers at the cost of millions of lives. All profits, blood money, capital and precious resources go north. This is the pattern. Even the French-speaking countries must obtain Paris’ approval on their central banking, fiscal and monetary policies. A comfortable place to be across generations!

Then came December 2021 when Moscow sent 2 treaties to the United States to codify the cessation of NATO eastern expansion. Moscow was rubbished with condescending impunity. This is the same smart elite that ran with legs touching the back of their heads from Kabul earlier. From February 2022 a new mechanism arrived through the barrel of the gun, the first peer-to-peer exchange between nuclear powers in the battlefield. A geoeconomic settlement of accounts rather than a geopolitical consolidation by means of war!

With the onslaught entering its 3^rd year the gloss has worn off digital pretence. This is the first conflict where the profits yield in limitation for the US. It is certainly making profit off its European vassals and satraps. Its vaunted weapons, military tactics and strategic initiatives have unravelled. In the economic heartbeat of Europe, the German elite stabbed their national interest with radio silence at the Nord Stream pipeline destruction. United Kingdom is hollowed out by funding NATO conflict while France’s compounding problems improved with expulsion from former African Sahel and the first sacking of a prime minister in generations. In South Korea recently, the president rushed to martial rule in the absence of credible national threat.

Plain Truth

Africans are observing these emerging patterns with complex dispositions. They are real and undenied. Many questions, numerous lack of answers and certain volume of daze. What is the difference between Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire and Olaf Schulz of Germany? What is the line between Kier Starmer of UK and Mohammed Said Barre on Somalia? What is dissimilar between Jean Bokassa of CAR and Emmanuel Macron of France? Nothing. They are united in unleashing destruction on their country and peoples.

This is the point that most Africans need to recover from fast. There is no such thing as civilised people, advanced populations, superior nations and all sorts. Human dignity human condition are universal. Both are irreducible. Error, impunity, corruption, glory, abuse and excellence are never up for monopoly. Development can never be imported. The first development law is the admiration of one’s being, family and people rather than material derivatives. No people need permission to stand up, to remain standing and to die standing. The same western elite that seem invincible to Africans have no qualms subjecting their own peoples to oppression and death in the name of national interest.

This is the simple lesson of our reflection.

Africa Renaissance 2.0

Introduction

A refreshed intergenerational global wind is picking up strength which is impacting every corner of the planet with various degrees of outcomes. African nations and states are not only aware of this round but are active participants in its making and benefits. Suffice to say that the global geopolitical framework that took effect after world war 2 is bursting at the seams. Growing evidence consolidates its unfitness for purpose. Now we are concerned with surveying the so-called African regional powers and their status in the short term.

A Hegemon in Self-Demotion

In the grand strategic scheme of things United States of America has run its course, given that she can no longer satisfactorily undertake without challenge self-assigned tasks of full-spectrum policing of the world. NATO-Russia and West Asian conflicts testify this fact unequivocally. Like the USSR earlier through internal disequilibrium and misuse of resources, after nearly 2 generations US has finally set her course irreversibly south. 

Africa is an unmitigated victim of this holistic imperial domination, a holdover of a continuum from the violent and brutal colonialism of rapacious Europe. Under Washington DC’s watch, virulent neocolonialism unfurled its flag as the European colonial powers played second base to her while continuing the indirect neoliberal process of mass subjugation, oppression and murder. In any case till date, few African states are excluded from the civilisation-stripping machine front-desked by indigenous elite and political assets. Only Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia remain unmolested by indigenous-led post-independence dark tunnel digging.

Big is not always Beautiful

As the Russo-Ukrainian conflict winds down inevitably, the first peer-to-peer conflict for the US with her loss acknowledged by her own leaders, its effects are already manifesting across the world including Africa. Giants don’t fall alone, they take many far and near down with them. The ripple effects of a hegemon collapse endure over time and space. Nevertheless, US will remain a top player with massive influence and colonial impunity on militarily weak satrapies in Europe, South America and Africa. However an implication suggests that such effects unfolding slowly but surely in Africa will be influenced by numerous factors and variables. In this phase, the so-regional powers are not only excluded from its fuller advantage rather display reactionary moves to consolidate their regressive patterns of state impunity.

After US destruction of Libya in 2011, Egypt’s place was reconsolidated in her orbit in north Africa. Cairo is not and will not be a space of progressive change in the short-term so far as Washington DC sustains Egyptian elite with huge military aid and other largesse. Sadat syndrome that took root from Camp David Accord eliminated Cairo as an effective force in internal and foreign affair respectively for at least 2 generations. Realistic Egyptian regional leadership died with Gamal Nasser while Anwar Sadat’s imprimatur will loom for some time. Simply put, post-Nasser Egypt has no leadership responsibilities in Africa. The year-long catastrophe in West Asia particularly the situation of Palestinians draws currency from (Sadat) Egyptian relegation of responsibility and downgrading of Palestine to a mere refugee problem. So the renewed wind of African rebirth 2.0 will pick strength with Cairo on the sidelines.

In the West African shatterbelt, the main regional power until recently was France. De Gaulle’s neocolonial architecture was refreshed by successive occupants of Elysee Palace until her strategic regression forced resources away from President Macron. In the background is the fact that Nigeria was not, is not and will be a credible power in the short-term regardless of her associated potentials. Abuja denotes a perfect role of a colonial state transformed seamlessly into an indigenous neocolonial state committed to internal destruction underpinned by reprehensive institutional violence and clinical corruption. With an elite and political carpetbaggers nourished by thoughtlessness, historical amnesia and civilisation stripping; one doesn’t need a crystal ball or be an anthropologist in October 1960 to see that the future direction pointed south. As a house with faulty foundation, only a sword of Damocles overhangs a decision to either undertake uncertain costly refoundation or continue habitation until inevitable collapse. Nigeria will watch African renaissance 2.0 with a powerful telescope.

The long eastern coastline is dripping in uncertainty to narrow down serious contenders for serious change. Ethiopia’s has cut a path out of the western swamp to the comity of nations in the nascent BRICS. Addis Ababa has certainly made an irreversible geostrategic move towards the new uncharted water of multi-nodal global geopolitical realignment. She is actually engineering and fast-forwarding a difficult structural change and framework reordering in a very hazardous neighbourhood. It is rather noteworthy that Emperor Haile Selassie clung tightly to the imposed colonial order as the enduring template for Africa’s stabilisation. His grave is undergoing tremors since his country lost its coastline and continental shelves to Eritrea. Addis Ababa is displaying boldness and assertiveness towards Africa 2.0 that deserves a careful observation.

On the southern front a sublime stability reigns with punctations of uncertainty visible across the region. Conflicts and post-conflict realities continue to dodge effective government penetrations, policy implementation and internal security. Nevertheless South Africa seem to steal thunder from its post-apartheid embedding with strategic compromise. To accuse Nelson Mandela of betrayal is an understatement. He was just a neoliberal asset, a neocolonial handbag with intergenerational blood on his hands. It is not farfetched that powerful influences in ANC suddenly decided that the latest peak moment in Palestinian-Israeli conflict offered a rare opportunity to start righting historical injustice. There is no reason to deny Pretoria’s indefatigability and defiance in withstanding full-spectrum pressure against her stand with the Palestinian file at the International Court of Justice.

Conclusion

The jury is still out on the true nature and scope of Pretoria’s strategic commitment to Africa 2.0 given that many of its current elite and political class draw inspiration and sustenance from Nelson Mandela playbook on strategic betrayal of intergenerationally oppressed peoples. In summary, our hypothesis on the resistance of regional powers to new wind of global change is still a strong invitation.  

African Leadership in the Post-United States Era

Introduction

The current story of leadership in Africa leaves a lot to be desired at all levels. Tragic and unpleasant narratives continue to dominate the continent two generations after most of the successors of colonial states gained so-called independence. What is counted as independence of nation-states are limited exclusive operations that transform the majority into victims of state aggression across the board. In this article our limited attention is on the potential opportunities implicit in United States overreach and decline. United States is the last form of western imperial colonial state.

Spectre of Colonial Mentality

Many may wonder why ‘colonial’ is mentioned two generations after the colonial era. A typical critic is fiercely seeking answers to the problem of leadership in Africa over the same period. Opposing arguments insist that the so-called independent states were equipped in statecraft plus accruing human resources over the generations. If so, why have the result been gross underperformance? Part of the problem is historical amnesia that fuel the false narrative that colonial projects were benevolent and beneficial to the people. There is no evidence in this regard.

The idea that colonial projects departed from civilisation mission to genuine investment in people-oriented values is intellectually dishonest. Not a single colonial project respected the indigenous peoples and tolerated genuine democracy, civilisation, progress and human rights. No colonial official was ever elected. Top-down bureaucratic operations, impunity, massacres and genocides were normalised in these profit-making projects. The mission statement of the project were based on false representation and devaluation of Africans. Once a peoples’ identity is questioned, their existence is appropriated.

The British, French, Portuguese, Italians, Germans and Spanish left horror legacies that continue to haunt us. The atrocities of Belgian King Leopold in DR Congo left a trail of intergenerational dehumanisation inherited by Mobutu and his successors. Similar cases dominate most of the continent. Preference of one colonial project over another is a testimony from the lunatic fringe. The so-called independence never brought holistic liberation of the peoples rather a radical regressive alteration of destinies and hybridisation of existence. People cannot give what they lack. Hence today most Africans are victims of repression, alienation, exclusion and marginalisation from leadership at all levels inherited and extended from colonial projects.  The cost is high in blood.

Items of Impossible

The fall of Kabul in 2021 signalled the end of uncontested US imperial prerogative and the decline of North Atlantic hegemony. The current loss-making conflicts in both Ukraine and Palestine simply confirm enduring patterns of irreversible decline of a panic-stricken ex-hegemon. With unsustainable public debt, decline of the US dollar, defeat in Ukraine, establishment of Iranian deterrence in West Asia, Yemeni mastery of the Red Sea and Palestinian endurance; potentials are growing for credible African renewal. 

New Conversation

Time has come for new focus and new collective sharing on the implications of dynamic geopolitical reconfigurations. Young people in West Africa are already chewing over what independence means, discerning enduring patterns for dignified existence and taking steps to advance the sanctity of their lives. For those who are still undecided, deep conversations are needed for sober assessment of the last two generations in an authentic embrace of histories. A people without active historical agency cannot stand.

US decline is significant in clarifying US citizens place in the world as normal people without exceptional qualities or manifest destiny. They built an empire with an expiry date that activated this decade for another empire to take the stage. Hence North Atlantic domination of the world for almost half a millennia is over.

African discussions must be honest, truthful, hopeful and trustworthy. Independence, dignity and sanctity doesn’t come from outside. No amount of intellectual and material investment outlines existential and ontological values of peoples in their community. A critical and deep review of the colonial project deserve penetrating exchanges because it continues to dominate conventional view of correctness and completeness despite the absence of both.

In addition, parallel discussions of indigenous legacies deserve utmost attention as foreign inputs have shown their cost in blood. True, no people have the monopoly of discernment, wisdom and knowledge. However any development not anchored on the unique experience of the people in a territory is futile. Equally when people decide to sleep with blanket of excuses for their miserable state, the status quo remains. Positive reversals don’t take long.

Any African leader at any level who is unable to factor in rapid change is irrelevant. Any leader without clear replicable plan of action, key performance indicators and critical success factors is malfeasant. Most importantly if African peoples at all levels refuse to engage, organise and mobilise for their personal and collective advancement in their unique experiences; current costs will continue to mount.

Conclusion

It is time for Africans to once again read sign of the times, take another look at ourselves in the spirit of unlearning and relearning to exchange on our status quo. Other peoples in other continents are defiantly taking their destinies in their hands. An authentic historical review of our past particularly the colonial project that unleashed our current sufferings through ugly nation-state leadership deserve urgent attention. A new narrative is essential, a narrative of independence, dignity and sanctity. Our existential and ontological constitutions are irreducible, non-negotiable and indispensable.

African Response to Vatican Slip Up

The Christian albeit Catholic world received a deserved New Year present from Africa. It is the present of theological orthodoxy and orthopraxis, with intergenerational implications. The background to this African testimony of maturity is the recent decision by the Vatican directing bishops/priests to bless homosexuals and lesbians in relationships. There's only one valid relationship in the church, marriage between one man and one woman.

If anyone was seeking for a credible sign of theological & spiritual compromise of Catholic leadership, look no further. Instead of seeking the Holy Spirit on biblical authority, trusting the Eucharist aligned with sacred tradition, worship is devolved to mere man to crush his maker in the name of progress. Just peruse the quality of post-announcement damage control by Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith.  

You wonder what motivated this decision. A single reason, absence of faith in Jesus the Christ. 2000+ years testimony is rejected and despised. Such a radical departure from orthodox teaching should have considered a number of points including (a) reactions from Catholics in the Global majority (b) reaction of other Christians in the Global majority (c) the position of Orthodox Catholics (d) position of Muslims (e) position of global believers in all religions, cultures and creeds. Christian unity and inter-religious dialogue are seriously harmed.

That decision reflects European and North American church leadership intransigence, and their overthrow of faith to elevate pride. This decision aligned with Atlantic geopolitical currents validates the position that religion isn't a variable of importance. A final gesture to secularisation and flourishing ode to enlightenment! These views assert that for them God is indeed dead. Faith in Jesus left Europe long ago.

Then rose African bishops in solidarity and unanimity to reject the decree boldly declaring that they refuse to implement it in their dioceses based on biblical authority, sacred tradition and demand of indigenous religio-spiritual authenticity. Faithful pastors who know their faith, missions and constituencies! This is a brilliant sign with huge potentials for replication in other spheres of African endeavour. A first!

This decision destroys in a single strike the attitude of Africans Catholics to Vatican with proverbial 'yes father'. The pendulum has swung, true faith is outside of Europe and North America. There's little Christianity to learn from these spaces and from such cultures. Interestingly, the Vatican decision confirmed a recurring Marian apparitions warning of division among bishops and cardinals on orthodoxy and orthopraxis. Pope Paul VI warned about Satan in the high places.

I hope and pray for African faithful to keep up the determination and tenacity implicitly demanded by this new defence of the faith on the world stage. In the meantime prayerful celebration is worthwhile in Africa and among Africans.

Revitalised Amauku Ihitte-Okwe for the Future

 

Introduction

As Amauku Ihitte-Okwe restarts an authentic journey towards a future underpinned by credible disposition to a holistic educational outlook, the events of today stand in sharp relief as a watershed of stocktaking on how far we have travelled, how we got into our situation before today and the implication of today’s decisions on our collective future. This honest stocktaking is the objective of this article.

A generation yesterday

It is proper to look at issues with a contextual insight to ensure that comprehensive attention is given to primary explanatory variables among many. The main issue is the inevitable fact that Amauku is situated within the geopolitical umbrella called Nigeria with all its implications. More interestingly, most of the current population cohort arrived the scene after the devastating Nigeria-Biafra war whose ignored regressive effect continue to loom large.

To state that Nigeria is a problematic is an understatement, rather the current generation is a victim of Nigeria bearing the wounds of its poisonous decimation and industrial-scale holistic displacement. However, both its decimation and displacement is neither comprehensive nor total in so far as human agency isn’t totally robbed of dignity and freedom.

While we admit that the above paragraph deserved to be unpacked, a task beyond the scope of this piece, it equally signpost undeniable impacts on the ground with particular regard to low-quality of leadership, inauthentic decisions, unjust implementations and truncation of people’s expectations. Above all, it is the elevation of uncritical approach to existential struggle in general, a degradation of collective insights to problems and growing abscess of poor leadership as normative. In addition, knowledge and wisdom became untouchables effective from 1985.

Highlights of Errors

Four projects symbolise the malaise raised under the previous heading. 1986 Amauku Water Project commissioned by Lt Commander Amadi Ikwechegh fell victim to strategic blindness and post-commission inertia that manifested in the non-reticulation of  water through Umuihim and Umuotukwe. The summary is that at the time of writing there are least 30 private water boreholes in the community. Draw your own conclusion on the costs.

Second, is the electricity project design and implementation. This strategic project approached with the right intentions from inception lacked the input of credible and knowledgeable experts in the field of electric power and electrical engineering professionalism. This was ignored in spite of the abundant and available specialists sons and daughters in the profession. Third, is St Patrick Catholic mission expansion project. It was implemented in rejection of evident needs/cost benefit analysis provided at no cost to the community as a sound solution by one of our distinguished sons. A triple slap on him, on knowledge and on intellectual industry.

Last but not the least is 2020 COVID-19 related support provided by abroad Ihitte-Okwe family meetings. I deliberately avoid identifying the project’s given name because it is insulting to our collective memory, to ndiche and the collective gift of Ala. Apparently, the name is morbidly connected to regression of life towards its ending rather than its refreshment. It was an intellectual error given that its principals with the best intentions ignored basic facts on the ground which a simple needs analysis would have highlighted. A people blessed with fruitful resources don’t just ignore tested solutions to imitate erroneous neighbours.

Lessons

Taken together, the above errors initiated and consummated by our leaderships at local and central levels at various times have transformed into attractive destinations for our pilgrimage. An honest pilgrimage for humble observations and gentle examinations, mistakes identifications, gap analyses, what-if scenario reviews and admission that wrongs were executed. Only a deliberate and decent descent into errors allows one, groups and community to reassemble their equipment for credible investments and truthful implementations in the future. Unless leaderships in Amauku and Ihitte-Okwe in general adopt a comprehensive approach that is truthful, intelligent, reasonable and responsible; our future development will face serious obstacles.

Comprehensive Authentic Education for Amauku

Today December 26^th & Amauku Day at the LA School our community is united in a strategic deliberation to articulate the way forward for our collective future underpinned by a comprehensive approach to conscientization, learning, teaching, production and development. The most beautiful cast of this development is its indigeneity and ground-upness. All solutions must have the footprints of our experts home and abroad. In short every expert son/daughter is by default a consultant to Amauku.

The trigger for this new dawn is Nigeria expressed through state abandonment of schools, teachers and pupils. So the community has assumed responsibility of employing/supporting teachers with relevant resources, investing in the physical infrastructure and providing our pupils with the requirements for conducive learning. Yes, Amauku is res Amauku, a republic. The Latin root means the reality of the people.

Our effort is not ignorant of potential stumbling blocks rather integrate them into agreed initiatives, scalable deliverables and strategic visions upon which the holistic development of Amauku is based. Our children must have a clear identity, clear conscience, learn as a human right and grow into responsible persons looking forwards without loss of everything received from ndiche. Our appreciation is huge on the drivers, stimulators and facilitators of this latest eruption of goodwill.

It is not a coincidence that all these efforts are bearing fruit at Christmas with deep theological implication on virtues manifesting through resourceful communications, respectful coordination, insightful collaborations and wise donations of selves for the greater good. Christian doctrine teaches that God reconciled the world to Godself through Jesus, so authentic knowing of Jesus by the Holy Spirit must follow the models of Mary, the shepherds and the Magi. Rich interiority, self-knowledge and holistic unity of person, of marriages, of families and of community. This time around, the journey from today will not delink from the chain of consistency and continuity. 

Summary

There is an advantage in every disadvantage and error. Only that high cost in patience required to go through each case prevent most investors from appreciating  forensic reviews. Amauku is turning the curve of self-knowledge and collective unity with tentative steps in full awareness that without this bitter pill, there is no collective future for us. Let it be clear that the Nigeria that we groan about and expect to transform is best perceived through the lens of Amauku. For our children and generations yet unborn, this is our handover file. Only an authentic and holistic restoration of our collective development can reassert our honour, dignity, integrity and excellence.

Which Direction is Ihitte-Okwe Heading?

 Introduction

The title question is timely given the currency of the on-going dynamic reconfiguration of the global geopolitical plates. The recent peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran reached in China is monumental for its regional implications particularly its dissolution of US full-spectrum dominance designs. Riyadh was least expected to choose a different path but facts on the ground suggest otherwise. In addition, the Russo-NATO conflict have ruptured assumptions on both the strategy and durability of United States power projection. It is within these developments that the above question is asked in order to shed light on Ihitte-Okwe and attempt a construct of future requirements for its direction identification.

Which Ihitte-Okwe?

There is a context to every situation and the reality of Ihitte-Okwe is not excluded. Ihitte is the first son of Okwe hence Ihitte-Okwe. This is the geographical area and autonomous community space of around 30km square that shares boundaries with Umuohiagu, Umuowa, Umukabia, Ngor, Nnorie and Umuhu. Majority of its population i.e. the 180+1 day per year citizens/residents, include those who descend from the age cohorts of the generation born both between 1901 and 1935. Simply put, those born within the period are few at the time of writing.

The implication of the above is clear in the following ways. First, most of the citizens/ residents are inheritors of all that is found in the territory, beneath the surface and in its airspace. Second, there are no new lands to be discovered, no new boundaries to be demarcated, no new strategic paths/road/intersections to be designed, no new markets to add to the calendar and no new settlements for migration. Third, there is no new language to be invented for communication in the community. Fourth, some graves of ancestors of that age cohort and most of those preceding them remain unidentified.

Despite numerous variables, the above named offer tasters of some of the core elements and inherent attributes of Ihitte-Okwe. Nevertheless, more insight is required towards an understanding of the geostrategic wisdom of these ancestors on boundaries and settlement locations. Prior to that an overview of the current learning foundation is presented.

Anti-Indigenous Design

One can easily accept everything observed in Ihitte-Okwe without question. Given the predatory civilisational stripping nature of British colonial education which continues to this day, such pattern of learning is a natural result. This is the case where formal learning in the community is not done in Igbo, curricula exclude local history, indigenous religion/spirituality, indigenous philosophy/theology, indigenous knowledge systems, indigenous science/technology etc. 

In addition is the aggressive exclusive policy of hegemonic authoritarian view of Christianity which label most things indigenous as suspect and devilish to this day. A systemic intergenerational transfer of such poison in the name of education render most citizens/residents foreigners in their bodies/homeland. A misunderstood geostrategic wisdom of our ancestors that shaped Ihitte-Okwe to this day deserves a highlight.

Geostrategic Wisdom

When observing our current town and village plans, one should be cautious in reaching conclusions of their locations/designs. In the absence of continuous historical and archaeological records, one could mistakenly assume that the observed are the default since time immemorial. There have been many internal migrations within the area and within villages hence the existence of okpulo. Umuekwum was once a thriving village.

Settlements were placed proximate to external boundaries. In all the decisions the external boundaries have remained unchanged and unchallenged in the last 200 years at least. The current population though reduced compared to that of the previous generation is significantly higher than those 1901 – 1931. The lands were huge per capita. Imagine how tiny Amauku/Arum would have been in comparison to its overall land space 100 years ago.

It fosters wonder in view of how these lands where acquired, allocated and secured by our ancestors; the spiritual and technological initiatives they invested towards their acquisition and the security offensive/defensive capabilities deployed for their protection against potential usurpers/invaders from neighbouring communities. It doesn’t require a genius to conclude that our ancestors possessed high level of internal cohesion, sharp spiritual awareness/consciousness, great intellectual power and huge charity towards unborn generations including the present (us). An enduring example is the indigenous priest, Nna Ekeanya’s securing the nascent Amauku Catholic Church funds.   

Post-War Struggles

Given limited documented records and scattered historical accounts, one enduring post-war feature of the community is the absence of cohesion or centrality. Cheap references blame it on geography contrary to facts on the ground. Most citizens born before 1966 attended primary schools in Umuagbom. Orie Ihitta and Eketa were the main points of internal trade & resource exchange in an agricultural economy till the late 1990s. There was an historical agreement in the community that backed the candidacy of High Chief B I Obirieze in the 1970s for autonomous community lead. Umuagbom served and continue to serve as a ‘centre’ though its potency has reduced over time. So, the question of weak internal relationship is a serious question in need of an unambiguous answer. This weakness has manifested into villages, kindreds and families with deadly consequences in the last four decades. Let us first address the bright spots.

Achievements

The biggest resource any community has is its population, its people. What is above or beneath its grounds are secondary expressions of their dynamic initiatives. This is the case of Ihitte-Okwe with examples. The search for sustainable sources of water challenged the community for decades. This was addressed with various solutions including digging of deep wells in the 1970s. Fluctuating water tables and increased risk/costs compelled the people to address the situation and the best outcome was expressed in the commissioning of Amauku Ihitte Water Project by the then Lt Commander Amadi Ikwechegh in 1986. Nze Eleoha of Umuhim and the project initiation team remain evergreen examples.

Since then the Catholic community have been granted parish status matching our territory. The highest honour to date is the approval and gazetting of autonomous community status in the 2000s by Imo State government. This privilege affords the community the status of recognised state with a defined territory, of a population with a centre (Eze’s palace). Ihitte-Okwe is no different from DR Congo, Brazil, Russia, China and Liechtenstein. Our ancestors sang and danced in their graves for this honour in anticipation of greater things that this privilege affords. What have we done since?

Autonomous Community Reality 

Every new state formed by administrative procedure or battle-won independence arrive with great anticipation and Ihitte-Okwe is no different. Now this is the problem in this case. Facts on the ground testify to a regression on many indicators. To address this point, it is important to revert back to the initial application for autonomy because this should unveil any evidence or lack of behind alleged poor leadership and poor followership.

Did Ihitte-Okwe population/leaders of the time ever deliberate and write down expectations of  new enhanced autonomy in view of its potentials, opportunities, strengths and capabilities? Does a document exist on any agreement or promise of action by Eze candidates? If, ‘no’, is the answer to both questions, as the situation went downhill, did the population particularly family meetings and development meetings address the issue with consultations, published documents/communiques? If the answer is no, then, the stink is thicker than imagined. Truth be told, the implications and full potential of autonomy is not realised by most of the people.

The current generation need to urgently and collectively look at ourselves and ask the following questions: What form of Ihitte-Okwe do I want to hand over to my children? Does the current Ihitte-Okwe make a deserving gift to my children? Will I recommend Ihitte-Okwe as a holiday destination or an event (wedding-birthday-research-retreat-conference) spot to colleagues/friends?

The currency of skeletal organisation of the Eze’s office including an almost ceremonial cabinet is unfit for comprehensive development in the 21^st century. Ihitte-Okwe as a space of consistent capital flight to other communities is unacceptable. It is despicable that Ihitte-Okwe tolerates unfit-for-purpose schools for their children. It is not a space for waste of scarce resources, abuse of process and celebration of ignorance. The case of parallel and competing initiatives by different well-intentioned stakeholders without consistent data-centred strategy flowing from Eze’s office is unhelpful. All policies/initiatives most be signed-off at the centre. Eze’s office is not a museum rather is similar to the Kremlin, White House & the Forbidden City. It is a power centre, the glue of bureaucracy and crucible of strategic initiatives. Ihitte-Okwe is neither little nor insignificant.

A radical change of both thinking and worldviews of citizens/residents/leaders is critical going forward. Data-centric questions, credible investigations and robust analyses of processes, solutions, targets, dependences and decisions can no longer be dismissed. Complexity must be accepted, centralisation received and modest institutionalisation inevitable. These aren’t concepts experienced only abroad and in textbooks. It is odious to transfer Owerri/Abuja’s weakness into our community. 

A new way of systematically and competently running our community is urgently needed. Many will not appreciate such change but there is no room for business-as-usual if Ihitte-Okwe burns in your heart. Simply put, Ihitte-Okwe is stagnant and its collective leadership across the board is unfit-for-purpose. Therefore, how should these insights be implemented?

Structuration Summit

There is nothing original in the suggestions or accounts presented above. The suggestion are items for deliberation as they are unready for implementation in their current state. For Ihitte-Okwe to realign its identity according to our ancestral foundations, discover its direction in line with indigenous strategic values and endeavour to reposition its capabilities/potentials in interactions with other communities/states/empires; an ambitious summit or grand assembly of the people is needed before the end of 2024. Ihitte-Okwe deserves a robust integrated and comprehensive governance infrastructure. Summitry are normal events for collective interactions, consultations and discussion towards strategic goals. Annual August meetings of our mothers is an example.

The summit must be organised to address issues, challenges and opportunities of the community towards signing-off visionary strategies, finding processes, approve solutions, creating structures and setting up a dynamic infrastructure for taking Ihitte-Okwe forward. Every citizen/(resident) from every part of the world should be invited to participate in this summit. Issues for discussion include but unlimited to conflict-resolution, culture/heritage, Eze's office, food production, health care, micro-finance, economy, rule of law, leadership training, skill development, accessing Umuneke/Owerri/Abuja resources, governance etc. 

Agreements, decisions and strategies must be collated in a (grand strategy) document which guides administration and implementation on agreed schedules. It is important to stress that the responsibility for planning and hosting this summit should be discussed by the Eze’s office, homebased retired seniors and family meetings in Rivers State, Lagos State and Owerri. We have experienced brothers and sisters in this areas.

The summit should be a testament that the community has come to a crossroad of maturity. It should be focus on upgrading the existing order and a testament of Ihitte-Okwe as a defined stature, with rich potentials and also a productive population consisting of with diverse & capable citizens  in different parts of the world. Time has come to contend with emerging reality in a rapidly reconfiguring global geopolitical dynamics. Ihitte-Okwe deserves a seat on the big table, and it is time for its citizens/residents to confront the fact and act urgently.