Africa has advanced in recent times, but still there seems to be stagnation. We've witnessed undeniable progress, economic growth, technological leaps, and improved infrastructure. Yet, the continent still lags behind when compared to other continents in the world. The question that begs an answer is: who's to blame?
Often times, we point fingers or target leaders first, then citizens. The West also takes their share of the blame as a result of colonialism, which led to resource exploitation. While African leadership deserves more of the blame, they can't solely take all the blame when there are other stakeholders in nation-building who contribute to the complexities at play.
Africa has many problems that need solutions but I think the best solutions to all of the nations predicament has more to do with restoring the spirit of patriotism. History is replete with examples of nations that thrived because their citizens held a genuine love for their country.
Patriotism plays a crucial role in nation building. Patriotism translates into a deep desire for national well-being, for the betterment of every citizen, from bustling cities to quiet villages.
I believe it's a key ingredient every nation that seeks development needs. Africa isn't devoid of patriots. There are so many individuals who deeply cherish their nations, we have doctors working tirelessly each day in understaffed clinics, entrepreneurs creating jobs for the youths, and artists expressing their vibrant cultures.
However, patriotism needs champions, especially among those entrusted with power. I believe our African leaders should demonstrate it more not just in words but in deeds.
The patriotic leader prioritizes the collective good of citizens. They understand that a healthy, educated populace promotes a thriving economy. They invest in healthcare systems so mothers don't lose children to preventable diseases.
They prioritize quality education to equip young people with the skills needed to compete in a globalized world. These leaders, driven by a genuine love for their nation, are mindful of the impact of their decisions on every citizen, from the youngest child to the most senior elder. Do we have such leaders in Africa now?
The challenge, however, is that people are deeply involved and have their political parties at heart than their nations. In most African countries you will have many party loyals who love their party colours more than their national colours.
With peoole who love their political parties more than their nation the results will always be disheartening, like rampant youth unemployment, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and corruption that stifles development.
There has been several revolutions across the continent, a testament to the yearning for change.
The fight for change is still the desire of many and while immediate success seems difficult, the movements for change is still rising. The path towards a brighter future may be long,but I'm confident there is hope. While we work towards change it's Important for most people to understand that true change begins with a fundamental love for one's nation.
It's a critical, active patriotism for nation and not blind, unthinking loyalty for party. There should be pressure on leaders to be transparent and to practise good governance. They should refrain from selling off our country's resources to pay off debts that future generations will eventually repay.
Africa's shared love of the continent and its collective patriotism will be the driving forces behind its future prosperity. This is not just about African leavers but citizens as well. It's about encouraging a mindset of "we" above "me," where citizens and leaders collaborate closely because they have a common love for their country. I genuinely think that this is the right way for Africa to make long-lasting success.
There is no loyalty, love, passion, or nationalism in the heart of many. This erodes us of the unity we need to forge ahead.
We can still build and grow the kind of peoole our nation desire. I will suggest that in every nation they have in place citizenship education to help people appreciate the essence of being patriotic.
!BBH
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Good leaders can't just change everything on their own they also need the co_operation of good citizens to make a better change.
Nice💫
Absolutely! it's about working together towards nation building. Good leaded and need citizens to succeed.
!BBH
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Patriotism is something many Africans lack, little or no love for their mother land. Hopefully they get to see this and have a change of heart.
Wish many people get the message, I think we can build people to be patriotic through education. There should be in place good citizenship education in every nation to promote it.
!BBH
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Aside from the leaders doing there part, Africans need to be more patriotic in their approach of national identity
I agree all hands must be on deck.
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