Victor E. Okafor

At the opening of the Elevate Africa Convening 2026 in Accra, hosted by His Majesty Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, I emphasised that Africa’s future prosperity depends on a clear vision, deliberate development planning and purposeful leadership. The experiences of countries such as Singapore and India offer valuable lessons. Singapore pursued a national development vision anchored in merit, pragmatism, integrity and inclusivity, ensuring that opportunities were not limited by ethnic, religious or regional differences. India, on its part, invested deliberately in research-driven universities and scientific capacity, cultivating the talent and innovation that have strengthened its economy and expanded its influence in global technology. Africa must draw lessons from these experiences and develop strategies suited to its own realities and aspirations. We must invest in quality, technology-driven education that equips our young people with the knowledge, skills and creativity to drive innovation, create wealth, build productive economies and generate sustainable employment. Our responsibility is not merely to address the challenges of today, but to lay a solid foundation for our children, grandchildren and generations yet unborn. On the questions of reparations, championed by Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and the broader call for debt relief, I stressed the importance of a coordinated and pragmatic African approach. Through the African Union, our leaders must work towards a common position that reflects our shared interests, strengthens our negotiating capacity and ensures that Africa speaks with clarity and purpose on these critical issues. Africa’s progress will require more than aspirations; it demands vision, strategic investment, institutional coordination and a sustained commitment to the future of our people. By aligning our development priorities and speaking with a common voice on matters of continental importance, we can advance Africa’s interests with greater coherence and impact. -GEJ

Always a pleasure to visit my brother, His Excellency @julius_maadabio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Thank you for your hospitality at the State House in Freetown on Tuesday. I am equally grateful to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Ayo Luther Ogbomode, mni, other officials of the Nigerian High Commission, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Mr. Amara Kallon, for their kind reception at the airport. -GEJ