Emmanuel Ochayi
Renowned Nigerian professor of political economy and management expert, Pat Utomi, has raised compelling concerns over the frequent international summits involving African leaders, questioning the necessity and implications of their global engagements.
In a statement, Utomi highlighted the pervasive trend of major global powers convening summits with Africa, citing the United States, Russia, China, and most recently, Saudi Arabia.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPresident Bola Tinubu on Thursday, departed Abuja for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Saudi-Africa Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh on Friday, November 10, 2023.
He questioned whether African leaders should prioritize self-respect, dedicate their efforts to domestic development, and liberate the continent from a history of servitude spanning hundreds of years.
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Expressing his concerns in a post on his X Page (Formerly Twitter), Utomi emphatically stated, “Why does everyone have a summit with Africa? The US does. Russia does. China does etc., now Saudi Arabia. Can African leaders respect themselves, stay at home, and do the work that will liberate this continent from hundreds of years of servitude, or soon Oman will summon them.”
Utomi’s remarks shed light on a debate regarding the balance between engaging in international dialogues and focusing on internal growth and development.
The professor urged African leaders to prioritize domestic progress and work collectively toward the continent’s advancement, rather than consistently seeking validation or engagement from external powers.
While acknowledging the significance of global partnerships, Utomi emphasized the urgency for African leaders to channel their efforts towards sustainable development, socio-economic reforms, and the upliftment of their respective nations.
Utomi’s call for self-reliance and internal dedication resonates within the context of Africa’s socio-economic landscape, where challenges such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment remain focal points for improvement.
The discourse sparked by Utomi’s statements underscores the need for a recalibration of Africa’s engagement strategies, potentially signaling a shift in the approach taken by the continent’s leaders toward international relationships.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
