The Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences Institute, University of Ibadan, on Wednesday, called for a focused and united Africa stating that this would leapfrog the continent into development and prosperity.
The institute made the call in Ibadan, Oyo State during the year 2020 African Union Day with the theme, ‘Silencing the guns: Creating conducive conditions for Africa’s development,’ held at the PAULESI Centre, University of Ibadan, on Wednesday.
Prof. Esther Akinlabi, the Director of PAULESI, UI, while speaking on the occasion, noted that the African Union Day, held annually on September 9, is for landmark achievements of the African Union.
Akinlabi called for promotion of peace and security in Africa as well as commitment to continental integration, women and youth empowerment and eradication of diseases on the continent.
“Since the birth of the Organisation for African Unity in 1963, which later transformed on 9th July 2002 to African Union, Africa as a continent has continued to strive for peace and unity among its member states.
“The celebration is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the Union’s transformation and achievements and also to renew our commitments as Africans to realise the Africa we want as embedded in Agenda 2063.
“While this is a commitment to achieve the Aspirations of Africa’s Agenda 2063, specifically Aspiration 4, which envisions a peaceful and secure Africa, thereby making peace a reality for the African people, the whole world is today grueling with fight against the COVID-19 pandemic which is an invisible gun that has infected over 27million people and killed over 883,000 people.
“In Africa, we have seen over a million cases with over 30,000 deaths. My thoughts are with families that have lost their loved ones and friends in the pandemic.
“Together, let us continue to unite as we fight this common enemy. Let us continue to do our best by adhering to the COVID -19 protocols of wearing of masks, social/physical distancing and washing of hands. It is for this reason that PAULESI distributed nose masks this morning to the general public as one of our social responsibilities to our community.
“I recalled my engagement with an old Professor in Johannesburg who told me in February at the outbreak of the virus, that he is finding it difficult to understand how social distancing is going to work on the African continent.
Apart from the fact that we are densely populated, we love each other and also like to express our love to each other through hugs and being closely knitted around our families and friends. Few months down the line, we all have had to adhere to stay safe.
“Data has also shown that people have saved a lot of money that would have been spent on parties with limited number of people at gatherings. At PAULESI, we are a unique institution. The African Union Day means so much to us because we represent and practice Pan Africanism with representations from all the member states of Africa,” the don said.
Mazo Kone, a PhD student from University of Ibadan, in his presentation on Africa, said, “African Union is still contending with constant hijack of power, election crisis and insecurity. We have an image of despondency and poverty, sicknesses and diseases, war and ethnic rivalry, but despite this, hope is not lost on Africa and Africans.”
On the occasion, fashion parade and dance and drama which showcased African culture were held, as well as quiz competition. Among the country whose cultures were paraded are Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zibambwe, Congo and Ghana.
Team Nelson Mandela emerged winner in a keenly contested debate with team Kwame Nkrumah.
Among those who were present on the occasion are the Deputy Director of the institute, Dr. Michael Oladunjoye; Principal Assistant Registrar and Secretary, Mrs. Morounfola Oyebola; Procurement Officer, Mr Richard Ebong; Finance Officer, Mrs Carine Mbassana; Webmaster of the institute, Mr David Oghenejakpo, and the Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Mr Babatunde Owolabi.
