Abuja: Former Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has called on Africans to embrace self-reliance and revive the continent’s rich cultural heritage as a pathway to sustainable development. Gambari, Founder and Board Chairman of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, made the call on Tuesday at the public presentation of the book, ‘Renegade Africa: All It Takes Is To Be African’, authored by Prof. Moudjib Djinadou.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Djinadou is the Founder and Executive Director of the Tumor Institute Think Tank, Benin Republic. Gambari noted that the book was a timely contribution to discussions on Africa’s future, stressing the need for the continent to draw on its history, culture, and values to achieve sustainable development. He said the Savannah Centre was honoured to sponsor the presentation of a book that examines how Africa can reclaim its lost glory and project its own narrative to the world.
Gambari stated, “We have tried other models;
economic, political and social, but they are not delivering the kind of results we desire.” He emphasized that the book’s relevance lies in its focus on African solutions to African challenges and the need for Africans to define who they are, where they have come from, and where they want to go.
He further mentioned that Africa’s youthful population remained its greatest asset, adding that the continent’s future, and indeed that of the world, would depend on the quality of education, training, and opportunities available to young people. Gambari also highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue among Africans themselves, rather than relying solely on engagements with external partners.
Djinadou, speaking on his book, expressed that it sought to inspire Africans to rediscover their historical greatness and build on it to achieve a continental renaissance. He argued that Africa’s future lies not in creating entirely new identities but in reconnecting with the strengths and achievements that existed before
colonial disruption.
Djinadou emphasized that the book especially targets young Africans, encouraging them to learn about their history and identity as a foundation for future progress. He stressed the need for an educational system that teaches Africans about themselves and equips them to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development.
Reviewing the book, Dr. Dimad Garba said the author was right in asserting that no nation could achieve authentic progress while neglecting its history. “The history of a people is more than a chronology of events; it is a repository of experiences, lessons, and knowledge about what works, what does not, and how society can move forward,” he said.