The 12th edition of Zik’s Annual Lecture, held at the ASSU-NAU Secretariat on Thursday, November 16, 2023, resonated with the sterling leadership qualities of the late sage, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Former Malawian President, Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda, delivered the keynote address, praising Dr. Azikiwe’s political activism and formidable journalism. Dr. Banda lamented the impact of colonization on the African continent, urging Africans to reclaim their values and stand against injustice.
Banda specifically tasked Africans to rise against the challenge of poverty, and insensitive and corrupt leaders who, she said, have continued to impoverish the continent. She said they must explore peaceful and united opportunities towards achieving meaningful and peaceful growth and development.
She said: African leaders are corrupt, that is the situation we all must take responsibility for and find solutions to. African leaders are involved in organized crimes and looting. Unfortunately, we are all onlookers. Why are Africans not raising their eyes on this malpractice? The colonialists also looted and domiciled Africas wealth in Europe and the United States, while we were suffering. That is why Africa is today in economic stagnation and fighting natural disasters.
African women should be involved in communities to participate in discussing the upliftment of women folk and ladies. Women are exploited in Africa and must be protected. Women are still being extolled rising in Africa and we have more women in politics in African countries. Africa has produced six women presidents.
Climate change must be a topic for African leaders to sustain our development, yet we are the poorest. Africas founding fathers like the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, laid the foundation of Nigerias birth. We should take inspiration from his legacies.
The event’s Chairman, Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Dr. Seyi Makinde, commended the theme, “Reclaiming Zik’s World: Climate Justice, and Africas sustainable development.”Expressing hope that the resolutions from the lecture would contribute to the nation’s development, Governor Makinde underscored the need for a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria to ensure continued progress. He stressed the importance of determining the governance structure that would best serve the nation and emphasized the necessity for unity, not only within Nigeria but across the African continent. Makinde invoked the legacy of Nnamdi Azikiwe, known as Zik of Africa, who played a crucial role in Nigerias unity struggle. He highlighted the enduring relevance of Azikiwes vision for a unified Nigeria and Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Esimone, in his address, acknowledged the commitment of High Chief Senator Ben Obi and proposed transforming Zik’s lecture into the university founder’s day. He emphasized the significance of the lecture’s theme, highlighting Africa’s struggle for industrialization.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Frank Collins Okafor commended the benefactors of Ziks lecture series, Senator Dr. Ben Ndi Obi (Ojeligbo), the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles O. Esimone, FAS, for creating the enabling environment, staff and students of the faculty as well as the Ziks lecture committee for their wonderful roles. Prof. Okafor admitted that the gathering would enable the participants share their views about the challenges facing the country in particular and Africa as a continent. He further commended the keynote address speaker, the first female president of Malawi, Dr. Banda believing she would do justice to the topic.
High Chief Ben Obi (Ojeligbo), the benefactor and chairman BOT of the American University of Nigeria, thanked the organizers and praised Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda as a PAN Africanist/African feminist. He announced the commissioning of the Institute of Legislative Studies in April 2024.
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party and former Governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi, emphasized the role of leadership in Africa’s challenges, calling for the dismantling of bad leadership.
Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, advocated for a holistic approach to African emancipation, expressing the desire for a united and prosperous continent.
The highpoints included the cutting of cake in honor of late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and the presentation of awards to Governor Charles Soludo and Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda.