Nigerian leaders have failed to respond to colonialism, slavery- Soyinka

Wole Soyinka unveiled his newest book titled Harmattan Haze on an African Spring.

Wole Soyinka said on Tuesday in Lagos that colonialism and slavery were two historical elements Nigerian leaders still grappled with.

Mr. Soyinka said this at an event tagged, “A Conversation with Wole Soyinka’’ to unveil his book titled: Harmattan Haze on an African Spring.

The book with 11 chapters and 209 pages highlighted the spirituality of Africans.

“Colonialism and slavery are two monumental events in the history of Africa, African leaders have failed to respond to these elements.

“The book is not only talking about spirituality but also the discord between Christians and Muslims,’’ he said.

Mr. Soyinka said that he would not dwell on the challenges facing Nigeria which he identified as bad leadership and corruption, among others.

“There is no need to start addressing the challenges that Africa is faced with.

“The path not taken had continued to affect the country till date,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education, said that Africa had neglected its culture and beliefs.

“I wonder whether there was an original process which Africa missed in the quest for development.

“What is the essence of an African human being that makes the ideal development idea to be difficult?

“We need to address the failure of the development of Africa by going back to the roots, accepting our culture and embracing our beliefs,’’ she said.

Founder, Centre for Value in Leadership, Pat Utomi, said that the African spirituality was a dynamic one.

“The big challenge of Nigeria is that it is a place where you can do something and you will not be accountable for it and you can do it over again,” Mr. Utomi said. “The African experience can give more progress from the failure of our past leaders.”

He, however, called for concerted efforts that would address the critical issues of development in Nigeria for the benefit of the citizenry.

NAN